• Careers
  • Contact Us
  • Become a Foster Parent
Plummer Youth Promise
  • About Us
    • Mission, Values, & History
    • Leadership
    • Fiscal & Annual Reports
    • Careers
    • Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
    • Our Future Campus
    • Contact Us
  • Our Approach
    • Overview
    • Our Model
  • Our Programs
    • Residential Programs
      • Group Home
      • Supported Apartment
      • Community Apartments
    • Foster Parent Program
    • Intensive Permanency Services
    • Permanency Mediation
  • Consulting Services
    • Strategic Consulting
    • Our Team
    • Contact Us
  • News & Stories
  • Get Involved
    • Donate
    • Leave a Legacy
    • Join Promise Circle
    • Become a Fundraiser
    • Volunteer
  • Donate
  • Search
  • Menu Menu
News & Stories

Helping Your Foster Child Play Catch-Up Through Play

August 3, 2017

It’s been said that play is the work of children. And indeed, it’s through play that children learn. Play that involves multiple children is particularly important for learning social skills.

But children and youth in foster care often have missed out on some of the basic experiences other kids have had. For example, frequent moves may mean your foster son or daughter never had the opportunity to participate in things like scouts, youth sports, church groups or school clubs. These activities are important not only because they keep kids active and engaged in their communities, but they also teach them how to get along with others. It’s in these settings that young people often learn the basics of how to make friends.

As a foster parent, you can help your foster child catch up developmentally by providing opportunities to learn and practice good social skills. Much of this will happen naturally, as the other children in your family and neighborhood interact with your foster child. Don’t be surprised if your foster child has trouble following rules of games.

When you’re alone with him, talk with him about the give and take of play with others. Saying “I know how hard it is to wait your turn at kickball” can help him open up about his struggles. Brainstorm with him about how he might handle frustration in the future. Suggesting that “What if next time it’s hard to wait for your turn, you talk to one of the other kids about how you hope your team will score?” may help him better manage a difficult situation.

Board games are a great way to help kids learn social skills. During a game, you can show your foster child how to follow rules, how to be a graceful winner and a good loser. During the game, you can help her let you have a turn and gently remind her of the rules. Afterward, you can praise her successes (“I loved how you followed the rules when we played ‘Trouble’) and empathize with her frustrations (“I know it was really hard when you lost at ‘Sorry’ today. Let’s think about what you can do if you feel so upset the next time we play that game.”)

As a foster parent, you can help your foster child work through some of his or her challenges through play, all while having fun and building memories!

Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share by Mail
https://plummeryouthpromise.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/park-2429633_1280.jpg 360 640 competenow /wp-content/uploads/2023/04/logo-1-1.png competenow2017-08-03 19:36:022023-04-29 07:11:10Helping Your Foster Child Play Catch-Up Through Play

Latest News

  • Celebrating Foster Care Month 2023
  • Sometimes Love Means Saying Goodbye
  • Plummer Youth Promise Receives $1M in State Funds
  • Abortion bans and the foster care system.
  • How family search and engagement can impact a youth’s path to successful adulthood

Donate

Join Our Promise Circle With A Recurring Gift Or Make a One Time Gift

Donate Now

About Us

Mission, Values & History

Leadership

Fiscal & Annual Reports

Careers

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Our Future Campus

Contact Us

Our Programs

Residential Programs

Foster Parent Program

Intensive Permanency Services

Permanency Mediation

Consulting Services

Strategic Consulting

Our Team

Contact Us

Get Involved

Donate

Leave a Legacy

Join Promise Circle

Become a Fundraiser

Volunteer

Our Approach

Overview

Our Model

News & Stories

Latest News & Stories

Follow Us

Copyright © 2023 - Plummer Youth Promise. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Use. Web Design by Tomo360.
  • About Us
    • Mission, Values, & History
    • Leadership
    • Fiscal & Annual Reports
    • Careers
    • Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
    • Our Future Campus
    • Contact Us
    • Back
  • Our Approach
    • Overview
    • Our Model
    • Back
  • Our Programs
    • Residential Programs
      • Group Home
      • Supported Apartment
      • Community Apartments
      • Back
    • Foster Parent Program
    • Intensive Permanency Services
    • Permanency Mediation
    • Back
  • Consulting Services
    • Strategic Consulting
    • Our Team
    • Contact Us
    • Back
  • News & Stories
  • Get Involved
    • Donate
    • Leave a Legacy
    • Join Promise Circle
    • Become a Fundraiser
    • Volunteer
    • Back
  • Donate

    Quick Links

  • Contact Us
  • Careers
  • Donate
  • Become a Foster Parent

"*" indicates required fields