Returning to school can be a stressful experience for children. For kids in foster care, these stressors can be especially acute, since many are already navigating unfamiliar living situations.
Here are several helpful parenting tips to help you coach your foster kids through this adjustment.
1. Proactively Connect with the School
Take the initiative to contact the school and schedule a meeting or phone call you’re your foster child’s teacher(s) and other key personnel. Inform them of your foster child’s new living arrangements. Most schools will have procedures in place to help foster children become comfortable there. This proactive approach will demonstrate your commitment to their education and establish a foundation for ongoing communication. Inquire about the school’s policies and procedures for staying in touch. Another possibility is having your child visit the school to meet their teacher ahead of time. If they’re in middle or high school and will be switching classes, you may want to walk through their daily schedule with them. A positive relationship with your foster child’s teaching team will be an important part of their success.
2. Prepare for Daily Routines
Coaching your child in running through their morning routines before the first day of school will be helpful. Also, if they will be walking to and from school, practice walking the route with them. If they will be taking the bus, be sure they understand where they will catch the bus and where it will drop them off. If possible, find out if they can meet the bus driver. If they will be going to an after-school care program, try to get your child there early on the first day so they can meet with their new teachers.
3. Introduce Yourself as a Foster Parent
When communicating with school counselors, teachers, and staff, be sure to introduce yourself as a foster parent. Begin by explaining your relationship with the child in your care; this will help create a clear understanding of your role in the educational process and foster collaboration.
4. Communicate Regularly
Maintain consistent communication with the teachers and school staff. Stay informed about your child’s academic progress, behavior, and any challenges they may be facing. Establish a communications routine, such as weekly or monthly check-ins via email, text messaging, or phone calls, to ensure that both of you stay informed and address issues promptly.
5. Establish Healthy Routines
Create predictable daily routines, including dedicated time for homework, study, and extracurricular activities. Show an interest in your child’s schoolwork, provide guidance, and celebrate academic successes.
6. Provide Educational Resources
Ensure access to educational resources—including books, educational smartphone/ computer apps, online learning platforms, and educational TV. Visit your local library with your child and guide them to books and other resources that interest them. Work on creating a home environment that encourages and nourishes reading, exploration, and curiosity.
7. Prepare for Bedtime, School Supplies, and Homework
Consciously take time to adjust your foster child to their new schedules that will begin once school starts. Consider the following:
– Gently ease your child back into a bedtime routine. If you’ve had the child only for the summer, adjust them to school night bedtimes and school morning times to wake up.
– Talk about homework. Develop strategies and incentives to get it completed every day in a timely manner. Set a positive, fun tone about homework before the first day of school.
8. Model Excitement and Joy
Children often follow the emotions of the adults around them. If you’re excited about school, your foster child will likely be enthusiastic too.
– Ask questions that will propel your foster child toward a positive state of mind. For example, explore what they are looking forward to and what they want to do in school. Ask what excites them. Encourage them to share their best memories of school in the past.
– Explore your foster child’s interests and develop ways to encourage them. If your foster child enjoys sports, discover their favorite ones, and see if there are leagues or tryouts available. If they like music, enroll them in a band or a chorus. Identify their interests and fuel the fire of excitement about expressing them!
– In general, communicate and model the joy of being a lifelong learner. Share your excitement about the wonderful opportunities waiting for them in this school year!
