A CALL has gone out for new foster parents to come forward to create some magical moments for children.
Orange Grove, an independent fostering agency, says foster parents play a vital role in looking after vulnerable children and young people, and at this time of year is appealing for new fosterers to open their homes to make a difference.
Reflecting on their favourite Christmas memories, one foster parent at Orange Grove said: “The snow started to fall last Christmas and it was very early morning so I went into the girls’ room with a big snowball saying “It’s Snowing’.
“Both jumped out of bed wrapped up and we went outside throwing snowballs, making snow angels and snowmen and laughing. It was our first Christmas together and it was magical.”
Marking three years in February, another foster parent shared: “We love Christmas in our family.
“We entertain an elf, we bake, we go choose a real tree and we all decorate it, we sing carols and we have a Christmas Eve box which are absolutely crackers.
“The look on their faces is worth every minute and on Christmas morning nothing can beat the excited child with presents they really wanted. Sometimes Christmas has not been a happy time for them so it’s lovely to see them realise it can be.
“One child was amazed that Christmas lasted all December in our house.
“One Christmas Eve we went into the garden with one girl and sprinkled reindeer dust and wished a happy Christmas to her two younger siblings who had been adopted. That brought a tear to all our eyes.”
For new foster parents experiencing Christmas for the first time, one foster parent who has been with the Orange Grove team for 20 years said: “Just be mindful that the children are away from their birth family and it can be a difficult time. Just try your best to involve the children in the festive season and make it as special as you can for them.”
Another foster parent shared: “Don’t sweat the small stuff. The children will have some wonderful memories. It won’t be perfect, so don’t burn yourself out aiming for perfection. Sit back and enjoy the fun bits. Remember, smiles are contagious, so put a big smile on your face.”
Orange Grove Fostercare looks after 300 children across England.
For more details, log on to: www.orangegrovefostercare.co.uk/locations/reading
