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family celebrating the holidays together with turkey

A man taking out baked Thanksgiving turkey from the oven.

Holidays are supposed to be a joyful time, but they can also cause mixed feelings for people in difficult situations. That’s especially true for foster children who are away from their families. If you’re a foster parent, here are some things you can do to make the season more comfortable.

Plan Ahead

With all the commotion and emotions surrounding holidays, it’s best to start the conversation early when things are quieter. Ask your foster child what holidays they’re used to celebrating and share your own stories.

Combine Rituals

Once you know more about your foster child’s traditions, you may be able to merge them with your own. Maybe they’d like to spend time with you in the kitchen cooking a favorite dish or maybe you can rent a holiday movie that they watch each year

Prepare Your Relatives

Will you be celebrating the holidays with extended family? If possible, introduce them to your foster child in advance. When you do get together, pay attention to whether your foster child seems comfortable. They may be eager to join in your activities or they may need a more gradual approach.

Practice Moderation

Your family may have more financial resources than your foster child is used to. If they’re already feeling sad about being apart, those disparities may add to their worries. Remember that you can all have a good time without having to spend a lot of money.

Share Inspiration

Focus on the spiritual meaning of the holidays you celebrate. Look for movies, books, and news stories that illustrate the values you consider important. Make spending time together and talking with each other your top priority.

Conclusion

Join us in taking better care of the kids in our community during this holiday season and throughout the year. Contact us to learn more about how 2INgage is serving foster families in Texas.