As a foster carer, you do such incredibly important and demanding work, therefore it is vital that you take care of your wellbeing. Thinking about your self-care, isn’t a luxury – it’s essential.
Foster carers create safe, stable, and healing environments, which is fundamental to helping fostered children recover, grow, and thrive. It’s so important that you are able to protect and strengthen your own wellbeing.
Foster carers who are emotionally and physically well are better able to:
- Provide consistent, nurturing care
- Respond calmly to trauma-related behaviours
- Build secure attachments with children who may have experienced neglect or abuse
When carers are stressed, exhausted, or unsupported, children may experience instability or placement breakdowns.
Some top tips to take care of your emotional wellbeing –
Social support
- Connect with other foster carers: Attend our peer support groups online to reduce isolation and normalise struggles.
- Maintain non-fostering relationships: Protect time with friends and family who know you, not just your role as a carer.
Rest and balance
- Use your enhanced support to provide “respite” care if possible: Taking breaks can help you to recharge.
- Protect personal time: Even short daily rituals (a walk, reading, quiet coffee) can restore energy.
- Sleep matters: Prioritise sleep wherever possible—fatigue intensifies stress and emotional reactions.
Physical wellbeing
- Gentle, regular movement: Walking, stretching, or yoga can release tension and improve mood.
- Nutrition and hydration: Eating regularly and staying hydrated helps regulate stress.
- Take care of your health: Keep up with GP visits and health checks.
Sense of meaning and control
- Celebrate small wins: Take time to acknowledge your hard work and the progress made with the young people in your care.
- Reach and accept professional support: Speak to your SSW and share how you are feeling. Reaching out at the early signs of overwhelm makes a big difference in order to prevent crisis.
Revisit your “why”: Reflecting on why you foster can reconnect you with purpose during hard times.
Being a foster carer is one of the highest-risk roles for compassion fatigue — because you’re giving emotionally, constantly, and often without predictable outcomes. However, please remember that at Positive Aspirations we work together as a team. Reach out for support and ensure that your wellbeing is prioritised.
February Support Group date – Wednesday 18th February – 1.30-2.30pm
Strength Based practice Training Session with Sue – 3rd March 10 am – 12.30
Relevant Online Training – Stress Management and Emotional Resilience; Compassion Fatigue – available anytime on the Training Hub.