FOSTERING 101 - Toddlers and Elementary School

HOW KIDS CAN HELP IN FOSTER CARE

If you’re in elementary school, you might think foster care is something only grown-ups do. You might think, “That’s for moms and dads.” “That’s for social workers.” “That’s for pastors.”

But here’s the truth: God has always used kids, just like you, to do big things.

In the Bible, God used a boy named David to defeat a giant. He used a young girl to point a powerful soldier, Naaman, toward healing. He used a little boy’s lunch to feed thousands. And He can use you, in fact, He wants to use you.

Foster care is when a child can’t stay in their own home. They have to go live with another family that keeps them safe and takes care of them. Sometimes those kids are scared. Sometimes they feel lonely. Sometimes they don’t know what’s going to happen next. And guess what? That’s where you can help. Here is how:

You Can Pray

That might sound small, but trust me, it isn’t. Prayer may be the most powerful thing you can do. When you pray, you are talking to God. And the Bible says that God listens.

When you pray, here are some things you can pray:

• God, please help kids who feel scared tonight.

• God, please help foster moms and dads not be too tired.

• God, please help social workers who are trying to help.

• God, thank You for loving every child.

You don’t have to use big words. You don’t have to pray for a long time. But the best place to begin is to pray.

You Can Be a Kind Friend.

One day, a new kid might come into your class or into your home. They might not smile. They might not talk very much. They might look sad. They might not know where to sit. And you know what? You can be a kind friend by helping them and being nice to them.

Here are some ways you can do that:

Sit next to them at lunch.

Share your crayons or markers.

Ask, “Do you want to play with me?”

Show them where the bathroom is.

Smile and say, “You can sit with me.”

Those are small things, but they are so important. Sometimes, the bravest and kindest words you can say are: “You can be my friend.”

You Can Share.

Sometimes when foster kids move to a new house, they don’t get to pack their things the way you do. They might not have a suitcase. They might not have a big box. Sometimes… they just have to carry their clothes in a trash bag.

Can you imagine putting your favorite shirt, your pajamas, and your stuffed animal into a trash bag?

That really happens. And that’s why sharing matters. You can:

Pick out a toy you don’t use anymore and give it to a child who needs one.

Help your mom or dad choose clothes to donate.

Make a small welcome basket with crayons, a book, or a snack.

Draw a picture that says, “We’re happy you’re here.”

When you share something that belongs to you, you are doing something very brave.

You Can Help Foster Families.

Maybe there is a family at your church who takes care of foster kids. You can still help.

You can:

Draw a happy picture and give it to them.

Help carry a bag inside.

Smile and say hello.

You can help with the baby.

Play gently and share toys.

Be extra patient if someone feels shy or upset.

You are not too little. You are not too young. You are not too small. You are becoming someone. And becoming someone who cares is one of the best things you can become.