Fostering is a gratifying thing, and the summer is an excellent chance to spend time with your foster family making memories and enjoying the sunshine. But summer can also be hectic. You might have a lot going on and be worried about keeping your family safe and happy. This means that self-care is essential. Fortunately, good weather also means plenty of opportunities for self-care. Here’s a look at some of the best.
Plan Family Days Out
Family days out, like trips to the beach, waterparks, local museums, and cinemas, can be great fun, and as a foster carer, you may be entitled to rewards to help with the cost. Find out more at fcascotland.co.uk. Try to enjoy these days out with your family, but don’t forget to include some of your favourite activities too.
Write a Summer Bucket List
Summer can be overwhelming. We often want to do lots, but we also worry about spending too much money or being bored. Sit down with your family and write a bucket list of everything you want to do before autumn. Try to be realistic and include plenty of free or home-based activities. This will give you all something to look forward to and make it easier to manage your time.
Get Outdoors
Getting outdoors is great for your mental health and mood. Fortunately, it’s much easier to get outside in the summer. Spend time gardening, going for walks, and exploring new places with the kids and on your own.
Enjoy Your Garden
If you’ve got a garden, summer can be much easier. Eat outdoors, build dens with the kids, get the paddling pool out and spend time reading a book with a glass of wine outdoors once everyone is in bed.
Get Rid of the Guilt
Don’t feel like you are failing if you aren’t out doing things all the time. Days at home watching TV and playing games are good for all of you, and you shouldn’t feel bad about them.
Make Time for Yourself
It can be hard to make time for yourself in the summer when there’s always so much to do, but things like a short walk, reading a book for 10 minutes or going for a coffee with a friend are all excellent acts of self-care.
Know When to Relax Your Rules
You might have rules around screen time, meals, and bedtimes in daily life. Sometimes, it’s self-care to relax these rules for an easier life, especially when you are busy, on holiday, or feel like everyone needs a break.
Reach Out to Other Foster Carers and Parents
One of the best things that any carer or parent can do to ease summer stress is to reach out to other carers and parents who understand the struggles. Reach out to other foster carers online, join groups, talk to other parents on the school run, and participate in events and activities for foster families.
Enjoy Summer Food
Food can be an excellent form of self-care. Make sure you cook your favourite meals and enjoy things like garden BBQs, picnics in the park and fish and chips at the beach.
Many carers and parents struggle to fit self-care into their routines. But taking time for yourself will help to keep you healthy and happy and reduce your stress levels, helping you to enjoy a lovely summer with your family.
