What does a typical day look like for a foster parent? Is it very different from raising your own children, and how much additional responsibility comes with fostering?

In this episode of The Kingswell Conversations, Richard Kingswell takes us through an ordinary day in the life of a foster family, from morning routines and school runs to after-school activities, family meals and bedtime.

And his message might surprise you. At its heart, foster parenting is simply parenting.

Of course, there are additional responsibilities. Foster parents may attend meetings, support family visits, manage medical appointments or advocate for services that a child needs. But Richard explains how these responsibilities fit around everyday family life and why foster care agencies play such an important role in supporting families along the way.

Drawing on his experience leading Extra Special Parents and FosterVA in Virginia, Richard explores why consistency, routine and predictability are especially important for children who may have experienced uncertainty or trauma.

He also discusses the importance of maintaining connections with birth families, helping children remain in their existing schools wherever practical, and ensuring they have opportunities to enjoy the same activities and experiences as other children.

In this episode, we explore:

• What a typical day looks like for a foster parent.
• The importance of routines, consistency and building trust.
• The additional responsibilities involved in foster parenting.
• How foster parents advocate for the children in their care.
• Supporting family visits and working towards reunification.
• Keeping children connected to their schools, friends and activities.
• How therapeutic foster care agencies support everyday family life.
• Why you don't need to have raised children before becoming a foster parent.

Richard also challenges the idea that foster parents need to be extraordinary people with extraordinary parenting skills. What children need most is a safe, loving and consistent home, with adults who are willing to learn and ask for support when they need it.

Whether you're considering becoming a foster parent or simply want to understand what fostering involves, this conversation offers a practical and encouraging look at the realities of everyday foster family life.

Continue the Conversation

📘 FREE DOWNLOAD | The Comprehensive Guide to Foster Care and Adoption

Looking to deepen your understanding of foster care and adoption? Richard Kingswell's free 45-page comprehensive guide is a valuable resource for anyone wanting to learn more about the children, families and systems at the heart of child welfare.

Download your free copy here: https://www.fosterva.org/

Connect with Richard Kingswell

With more than 30 years of experience in child welfare, Richard is passionate about sharing knowledge, challenging assumptions and encouraging better conversations about how we support children and families.

Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardkingswell/

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