Member News from Young People at Heart: Who Inspires Me - My Foster Carer

Here at Young People at Heart, it doesn’t matter if you are a single carer or a couple, the role of any foster carer is just as important, to provide a stable and loving home for a young person.


This week, we wanted to share a lovely story, of how the relationship between one of our male foster carers, and a teenage boy in their care, has blossomed over the past few months.

Last year, Lewis went to live with two of our experienced foster carers, Steven, and Angela. They have two birth children, who live in the family home too.

The whole family were extremely excited, to have someone else joining the family. The bond between Lewis and Steven developed quite quickly, and they soon became like two peas in a pod, enjoying spending their free time together visiting the horses, walking the dogs, going on long bike rides and Lewis even enjoys washing the cars with Steven’s help.

The minute Steven arrives home from work, Lewis is waiting to greet him, and they catch up about how each other’s days have been. Steven listens to Lewis and offers support and advice, when needed. If there are any challenging or sensitive conversations to be had, Steven approaches these, using lots of playfulness, but remains firm in his approach, when it’s been necessary. Lewis responds well to the playfulness and enjoys the banter between him and Steven.

As with all teenagers, personal hygiene, untidy bedrooms, and the need for screen time are sometimes an issue, but with gentle, playful reminders from Steven, Lewis is respectful, follows the family rules and doesn’t cross boundaries. Lewis enjoys sitting with Steven on an evening after dinner, so they can do his Math’s homework together. He loves how Steven explains the work to him and how patient he is if Lewis is finding the work tricky.

Recently, for an English essay in school, Lewis had to write about someone who inspires him and who he sees as a good role model. Lewis chose to write about Steven. He wrote in detail, about how they spend their time together and why Steven inspires him. “He teaches me stuff and he does the job that I want to do.” Angela shared this with Steven, which made him feel rightfully proud of the fantastic work he has done, to earn Lewis’s trust and develop the close bond and relationship they have.

Source:
www.youngpeopleatheart.org/

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