Foster children sometimes struggle to adjust to their new environment. If your new foster child is on the shy side, planning activities to help them open up and have fun can go a long way in making them feel comfortable. Here are some tips for planning a fun day out with a shy foster child.
Get to Know Their Interests
The first step is learning what activities and hobbies your foster child enjoys. Ask them questions to get insight into their preferences. Do they like animals? Are they artistic? What are their favorite books or TV shows? If they have trouble articulating interests, observe what draws their attention. Knowing their passions will help you plan an outing they’ll really enjoy.
Start Small and Local
Big crowds and unfamiliar places can be overwhelming for a shy child. Start with small, local outings like a trip to the park or library story time. Going to smaller venues will help them ease into being out in public. Save larger attractions like zoos or museums for once they’ve become more accustomed to being out with you. Use your fostering allowance to help pay for transport and the cost of visiting attractions, where applicable.
Give Them Time to Warm Up
Be patient and allow plenty of time for a shy child to warm up in new environments. Don’t rush them into activities right away. Let them observe surroundings and acclimate before gently encouraging participation. Offer to join in an activity like reading a book together if they seem hesitant to engage at first.
Involve Their Favorite Things
Incorporate your foster child’s interests into the day’s activities. For example, if they love dolphins, visit an aquarium. If they like dancing, check your local community centre for a youth dance class they could sit in on. Tailoring parts of the outing to their hobbies makes it more enjoyable.
Bring Along a Favourite Object
Letting your foster child bring something familiar from home provides comfort in new surroundings. This could be a special stuffed animal, book or small toy. Having their favorite object with them helps shy children feel secure.
Plan for Downtime
Too much stimulation can be draining for an introverted child. Build in breaks to give them downtime when needed. Good activities for downtime include reading together in a quiet spot, people watching from a park bench, or coloring. Carry a small colouring book and crayons so they can withdraw whenever they are overstimulated.
Keep the Day Short
Limit the length of your first few outings so your foster child doesn’t get too worn out. Aim for no more than 2-3 hours for initial trips. You can gradually increase the time as they become more comfortable. Always stay alert to signs of tiredness like crankiness.
Offer Praise and Encouragement
Verbally recognise when your foster child engages in an activity, no matter how small the step. Say things like, “I can tell you really enjoyed looking at the turtles. Well done trying something new today!” Positive reinforcement boosts confidence.
With some planning catered to their personality, a day out can be an enjoyable experience for a shy foster child instead of an intimidating one.
