A few years ago my husband and I felt strongly about becoming foster parents. We attended marvelous training and learned so much! However there was nothing to prepare our daughter for becoming a foster sister. And being inexperienced foster parents ourselves, we didn’t know how to prepare her. A few weeks into our first placement I could tell that my daughter was struggling. She went from an only child to having a brother in foster care that needed our time and attention.
That’s when the idea first came to me to use my teacher and curriculum writing background to write a story that parents could share with their children prior to their first foster placement. Something that would prepare children for the emotions and changes that are about to take place.
I reached out to one of my favorite artists- Nikki from Melonheadz– to ask if she would be willing to let me use her images in my project. Much to my surprise she volunteered to come up with original artwork for Jack, My Foster Brother. I think we were both in tears at one point knowing how important foster families are and what a difference a book like this can make to prepare children.
I have created 4 lessons that you can do with your children in preparation of becoming a foster family. Use these activities as written or take the ideas that you feel will work best for your children. Keep in mind in preparing your children that you don’t want to stereotype children that are placed in foster care. Give your children a safe place to discuss questions and concerns about becoming a foster family. And remind them that no matter what changes will take place, that you love each of your children deeply.
Click here to download the Curriculum Planning Guide
Click here to download Jack, My Foster Brother Coloring Book
Click here to download the ABCs of Foster Care Coloring Book
Click here to download the Welcome to Our Home Activity
Click here to download the Love Notes Activity
If you don’t have access to a printer and would still like to share the stories Jack, My Foster Brother and the ABCs of Foster Care with your family, we have you covered. We have videos of both stories read by my cute daughter.
Please email me if you have any questions or would like to purchase a book. Nikki and I are not making any profit on these books so you would just pay whatever Shutterfly charges. We are both super passionate about fostering and we know the right preparation can make a huge difference.
UPDATE: You can order the books through MixBook!
ABC’s of Foster Families https://www.mixbook.com/photo-books/interests/abcs-for-foster-families-20099158?
Jack, My Foster Brother https://www.mixbook.com/photo-books/interests/jack-my-foster-brother-20095404?vk=eap79b9MfUn8HmwKoQSk
Happy TEACHing!