How to Create Trust Between You and Your Foster Child

Foster kids have been through the wringer. It’s no surprise, then, that many of them find it difficult to trust their new foster parents. At Kulima Care Family Services, we make it our mission to create a space where parents can learn about and support their foster children and we provide foster care support in order to help. Kulima means “to cultivate” in Swahili, and that’s exactly what we aim to do. We want to cultivate a trusting and loving relationship between you and your foster child. For any questions regarding foster parenting, reach out to us today!

Listen to Them

Just as much as you want to communicate with your child, they want to talk with you. Many kids have never been listened to or felt heard, so spending time in conversation with them and listening to them is one of the best ways you can build trust. “No one cares what you know until they know that you care.” If you get to know your child, they will begin to trust you.

Make Time for Them

This one seems obvious, but it should never be underestimated. Making time to share a meal with your child, to pick them up from school, or anything else that allows you to spend time with them will help to earn their trust. Your foster child will feel valued when you put aside time to spend with them.

Try an Activity With Them

One great way to spend time with your foster child is to find an activity you both enjoy and spend time doing that! Whether it’s cooking, hiking, fishing, or a number of other activities, doing an activity together is a great way to spend quality time and build trust with your child. If you would like guidance on how to begin spending time together, Kulima would love to help.

Bring Them Into Community

At Kulima, we understand fostering and being a foster child is difficult, it cannot be done alone. We aim to cultivate valuable relationships and do that by bringing people together in their time of need. We teach parents how to be foster parents, and we do so in the context of community. Outside of Kulima, bringing your foster kid into a church community, sports community, or another kind of fellowship can help them to feel like they belong.

At Kulima, we are licensed to provide all-around foster care services. From advising to adopting, we can help. If you are considering parenting, let us help. Learn more about Kulima and foster parenting today!