New Year’s Resolutions for Foster Families

As the New Year approaches, foster families have a unique opportunity to create New Year’s resolutions to support the children in their care. While resolutions sometimes feel like wishful thinking, they also offer a framework for meaningful, achievable goals that enrich the lives of foster families. We share seven manageable New Year’s resolutions for foster families to consider, each designed to help children and parents flourish.

Resolution 1: Adopt Self-Care for Foster Parents

Being a foster parent is immensely rewarding while also sometimes physically and emotionally demanding. Prioritizing self-care as foster parents isn’t selfish — it’s essential. When foster parents take time to care for their mental and physical health, they increase their ability to provide stable, supportive environments for the children they serve.

Consider adding the following self-care options:

• Create daily or weekly “me-time”: Set aside at least 15 minutes a day (or a couple of hours a week) for quiet reflection, reading, or hobbies.
• Establish a supportive community: Whether it comprises other foster parents, support groups, or close friends, a community to lean on provides relief and a sense of belonging.
• Practice healthy habits: Eating well, getting adequate sleep, and exercising helps to manage stress and prevent burnout.

Resolution 2: Deepen Connections With Biological Families

When possible, fostering connections between foster children and their biological families proves invaluable for a child’s emotional health. In most cases, foster care aims to be a temporary arrangement with the ultimate goal of reunification. Building bridges between both parties makes transitions easier and offers children a sense of continuity.

Ways to foster these connections include:

• Encourage regular contact: If safe and approved, promote phone calls, letters, or supervised visits.
• Share milestones: Send updates, photos, or details about a child’s progress in school or activities to biological parents.
• Communicate openly: Encourage positive, respectful communication between foster and biological families, keeping the child’s well-being at the center.

Resolution 3: Engage in Family Bonding Activities

Fostering a strong bond between parents and children creates a secure, loving environment. Use the new year as a time to introduce more bonding activities that bring everyone together, from fun outings to simple, intentional time at home. We list some ideas below.

• Weekly family nights: Set aside one evening a week for games, movies, or other activities everyone enjoys.
• Outdoor adventures: Nature walks, picnics, and trips to local parks encourage exercise, exploration, and conversation.
• Shared routines: Daily activities like cooking meals together or reading bedtime stories help develop trust and strengthen connections.

Resolution 4: Invest in Trauma-Informed Training

Most children in foster care experience trauma (90%), so learning how to respond effectively to their unique needs is crucial. Trauma-informed care training helps foster parents understand behaviors, manage stress responses, and provide nurturing support that aids healing.

• Seeking professional training: Local child welfare agencies or online courses often provide affordable or free trauma-informed care resources.
• Reading relevant literature: Books like The Connected Child by Karyn Purvis offer insights into helping children with trauma.
• Practicing empathy and patience: Recognizing that trauma affects children differently allows foster parents to approach challenges with compassion and understanding.

Resolution 5: Support Academic and Emotional Growth

Foster children may need extra support in their educational journey due to gaps in schooling or emotional stress. Make a resolution to support both academic and emotional growth, as fostering resilience in both areas can have lifelong impacts.

• Set achievable academic goals: Help children with homework, set realistic expectations, and celebrate small achievements.
• Encourage emotional expression: Let children know they can express their feelings without fear of judgment. Offering outlets like journaling or art can help.
• Stay in touch with educators: Collaboration with teachers and counselors keeps foster parents informed about a child’s progress and any additional support they may need.

Resolution 6: Celebrate Small Wins Together

Foster families encounter unique challenges, but it’s important to take time to celebrate victories — no matter how small. Recognizing these moments, from learning a new skill to making a friend, boosts children’s confidence and fosters a sense of belonging.

• Have a “success jar”: Add notes with each child’s accomplishments, then read them aloud at the end of the year.
• Reward small achievements: Simple treats or privileges reinforce positive growth.
• Keep a photo or journal record: Capturing moments visually or in writing helps children and parents reflect on growth over time.

Resolution 7: Advocate for Foster Care

One of the best ways foster families can make a broader impact is by becoming advocates for improving the foster care system. Educate friends, colleagues, and community members about the realities and rewards of fostering. Whether through social media, local events, or simply talking with people, raising awareness inspires more support and understanding for foster children.

At For Others, we raise awareness and empower best-in-class organizations to end the child welfare crisis in America. We’re a collective of change-makers working to address the crisis plaguing our nation’s most vulnerable. Join us in the fight today by donating below!