Creating a warm, welcoming and inclusive home environment is important for all families, but especially for those involved in fostering or adopting children. Children who come from difficult backgrounds or enter foster care may feel displaced, unsure of themselves, or struggle to adjust to a new family dynamic. As fosterers or adopters, there are many things you can do to help create an inclusive home where children feel valued, secure and able to thrive.
1. Celebrate Diversity
Make an effort to celebrate diverse cultures, religions, races, sexual orientations, gender identities and abilities in your home. Expose children to books, movies, music, art, foods and cultural celebrations that represent the beautiful diversity of the world we live in. Show children that all types of differences should be respected and valued.
2. Promote Open Communication
Create an environment where every family member feels heard. Make time for open and honest communication by having regular family meetings or one-on-one chats. Encourage children to share their thoughts, concerns and emotions. Listen without judgment and work through any issues together.
3. Display Inclusive Imagery
Decorate your home with art, photos and inspirational quotes that promote themes of diversity, equality, justice and inclusion. Ensure images reflect the diversity of your family and community. This visual reinforcement will help create an inclusive space.
4. Learn About Backgrounds
Take time to learn about each child’s background including their cultural heritage, religion, important traditions, foods they enjoy, native language and more. Where possible, incorporate elements from their background into your family life so children feel connected.
5. Offer Choice
Provide children with developmentally appropriate choices over aspects of their life such as clothing, hairstyles, bedroom decor, extracurricular activities and more. Making choices helps children feel valued and in control.
6. Promote Respect
Model and expect respectful behaviour between all family members. Do not tolerate bullying, teasing, name-calling or prejudice. Make it clear that hurtful language and behaviour will not be accepted in your home.
7. Share Family Responsibilities
Involve children in age-appropriate family responsibilities like chores, meal planning and preparation, caring for pets, etc. This promotes a sense of belonging and being part of the team. Praise their contributions.
8. Accommodate Needs
Make necessary accommodations to meet each child’s unique needs. This may include assisting disabled children, respecting religious requirements, providing translation services, modifying family routines and more. Reach out to your faith-based fostering agency, like Active Care Solutions, for guidance.
9. Connect with Community
Help children connect with others of similar backgrounds by engaging with cultural groups, faith communities, disability support services and LGBTQ+ youth groups. Building community reduces isolation.
10. Keep Learning
Commit to continuously learning about diversity, inclusion, equality, unconscious bias and culturally responsive care. Stay up to date on best practices for creating an inclusive home. Be open to feedback and change.
Creating an inclusive home takes awareness, effort and commitment but helps build a family based on mutual understanding and respect. While it presents challenges at times, the rewards of increased belonging, security and well-being for your children are immense.
