3 Rewards of Becoming a Foster Parent in Nebraska
Becoming a foster parent in Nebraska is truly a job unlike any other with many rewards. It requires skills and traits that play vital roles in the lives of children and teens in need. But did you know that foster parenting doesn’t only benefit the children and teens? Becoming a foster parent in Nebraska can have a profound impact on the foster parents themselves. Knowing that you made a positive difference in the life of a child or teen during a difficult time is strengthening and fulfilling. In many ways, foster parenting is a job in one of the most important professions out there – living life well! Here are just a few rewards of being a foster parent.
1. You Get to Be an Influential Teacher
Teaching is a great way to enrich the mind of a child. The trauma that caused a child or teen to enter foster care, such as abuse or neglect, and the further trauma a child or teen may experience when being removed from his or her birth family can have long-lasting psychological effects. Teaching skills that you are familiar with can help redirect a youth’s mindset to a more positive place. The focus doesn’t have to be on only general life skills. Do you have experience with a favorite hobby, like baking, playing music or competing in sports? Children have a natural thirst for knowledge and can benefit greatly from being engaged in this way. The lessons you teach a child have the potential to positively influence them over a lifetime.
2. You Get to Learn Something New Everyday
Who doesn’t like a little variety in their day? Foster parents seldom experience the same day twice. While this may be off-putting for some, it’s really a great thing! Foster parents get to interact with children and families from several different backgrounds. This opens the door to discovering new cultures, traditions and values. Most parents would likely agree that you’ll be amazed at what children and teens can teach you. whether it is about the latest technology or insights from their perspective on the world.
3. You Get to Grow Stronger as an Individual
Giving unconditional love to a child or teen in need can shape you into a stronger person emotionally. Most children and teens are in a foster home temporarily and more than half of children and teens who enter foster care are safely reunited with their families. Helping children and teens reintegrate back into their homes can bring enormous joy, despite the difficulty involved with saying goodbye to the child or teen. The entire process of fostering can cause a natural range of emotions to swell. Experiencing and managing these emotions makes you an all-around stronger person who feels more meaning and satisfaction in life. One KVC foster parent said,
“The number one thing people say to me is, “I could never do foster care because I would get too attached.” Guess what: I’m just like you. I “got attached.”
My answer to those people who say that is this: I absolutely get attached. You know what I know even MORE, though? I’d rather these sweet babies know my love than never know it. I got attached. Getting attached has been the greatest pleasure and honor of my entire life.”
Knowing that you provided help when a child or teen was at his or her lowest point is rewarding, uplifting and can provide you with lasting confidence and happiness.
Becoming a Foster Parent in Nebraska
These are only a few of the many rewarding experiences someone can experience by becoming a foster parent in Nebraska. If you’d like to understand foster parenting in more detail, check out our free e-book ’11 Incredible Stories of Real Foster Parents’, or contact a recruiter to for more information.
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