Winter Essentials for Busy Foster Mums

As a mum, winter can be challenging. You’ll spend time waiting in a cold playground or watching a muddy football game in the rain. Trips to the park aren’t always possible, but nor is spending money on expensive attractions every week. Cabin fever can set in, and it’s common for everyone to get coughs and colds. As a foster parent, being prepared for winter can be tough, as each winter you may find yourself looking after completely different children, of different ages and genders with different tastes. Here’s a look at some essentials all foster mums need in winter.

Good Winter Clothes

As a foster mum, you’ll no doubt spend hours this winter driving your kids about, waiting for them outside the school gates, and even standing in a muddy field watching them play sports. As a foster carer, you may also have to rush around to meetings and appointments in the cold. Make sure you’ve got things like good coats, boots and warm, waterproof clothes to keep you comfortable and healthy. Look at second-hand options if you are on a budget.

A Stock of Kid’s Waterproofs and Supplies

Some foster placements will be fairly short, and while some children will arrive prepared with coats, shoes, and waterproofs, this won’t always be the case. Make sure you’ve got a small supply of gender-neutral coats, wellies and hats and scarves, in a few sizes so that you are ready to enjoy winter with your foster children as soon as they arrive.

Warming Snacks and Drinks

Cold days out playing in the snow, chilly walks home from school, and cold evenings at home mean that warming drinks and snacks are a must. Having things like hot chocolate and favourite treats to hand, as well as winter warmers like soups, can make cold days feel special, instead of something to get through and endure.

Festive Movies

Providing a safe home for a foster child is incredibly important, and believe it or not, all those cheesy Christmas films that you love are a great way to make them feel safe and welcome, and perhaps even get them to open up to you, even if it’s just sharing Christmas stories. You can learn more about fostering, and the importance of providing a safe and happy home at https://www.orangegrovefostercare.co.uk/about-fostering/.

Board Games

Board games are another must for a comfortable and fun winter with foster children. Family board games are fun, even for older children. They’re a great way to bond, and a way to stay warm at home this winter. If you’ve got a game console, some family-friendly games you can all enjoy together could also be good.

A Self-Care Toolkit

Parenting in winter is tough, and it can be more challenging for foster parents. Along with warm clothes, shoes, and winter activities, make sure you’ve got a self-care tool kit including things that help you to relax like books and bubble bath, to pick yourself up after a tough day.

Winter can be hard, but with the right tools and supplies, winter with foster children can be a fun season filled with joy.