Creating a Trauma-Informed Home Environment

Becoming a foster parent is a noteworthy accomplishment. Not only do foster parents provide a home for children in need, but they invoke a loving and nourishing environment that many foster kids have not known. While being a foster parent is rewarding, it can also come with its share of challenges.  

Many foster children have deep-rooted emotions that come from past traumas. While those experiences may no longer be a part of their current life, the emotional scars are still very real and can create behaviors that are not easy for new parents to deal with.

It’s important for foster parents to be aware that said behaviors may manifest at some point. When that happens, there are ways to effectively handle the situation so that new trauma doesn’t form. Effectively coping with behaviors brought on by past trauma can foster resilience and healing in the child being cared for. Here are some helpful tips to support children who have experienced trauma.

Recognize the Impact and Be Empathetic

Past trauma can bring about actions like sudden unexplainable outbursts, bouts of anxiety, and withdrawal. These types of actions can trigger reactions that can cause tension in the parent/child relationship. It’s important for foster parents to know that such behaviors could be survival mechanisms for the child due to past trauma. Recognizing the impact of trauma warrants understanding and empathy from the foster parent. 

Rather than viewing the negative behavior as a personal attack, a foster parent should try placing themselves in the child’s shoes and consider living with what they’ve had to endure. Empathy brings with it compassion and that can be a powerful tool in connecting with the child.

Be Patient 

When past trauma has been identified in a child’s life, it’s important for foster parents to display patience. Healing takes time and small steps are often part of the process. Don’t try to rush the process. Embrace the journey that will eventually lead to healing.   

Seek the Resources You Need

A foster parent should deepen their understanding of the impacts of trauma by seeking the resources needed to get through it. Accessing the right resources can positively impact the child’s development; empower the foster parent to respond better; and create a less hostile family dynamic for the household.

A foster parent should not hesitate to seek the support of professionals - therapists, counselors, schools, etc., that can be helpful to the child’s healing. There are groups and programs within the state designed for unique situations and can prove helpful to responding to traumatic behaviors. Building the appropriate supportive relationships to create the strong team needed are essential for the healing process to be successful.

Celebrate Every Win

The road to healing requires small steps. When progress is made, don’t take it lightly. Celebrate it! This will boost the child’s self-esteem, reinforce positive behaviors, and encourage the small steps needed for the healing process. Recognizing and celebrating a win, regardless of how small, is a win for the entire household.

Take Care of Yourself

Any parent will tell you that caring for a child is not easy. It can be challenging and is a full-time job. Caring for the needs of a child who has experienced trauma, can bring even more emotions and challenges. It’s important that foster parents find time to take care of themselves so they will be able to take care of the child. In addition, foster parents can seek the support they need through respite and discussion groups with other foster parents, to help recharge their energy and give them focus. 

Conclusion

The role of a foster parent is critical in the foster child’s path to healing. Creating an environment that responds to the child’s past traumatic experience, and being patient and empathetic when it counts, can be extremely rewarding. 

The foster care journey may not come without challenges, but you have what it takes to embrace this journey with the love, patience, and empathy needed. If you agree, take our qualification quiz today and start your journey as a foster parent.