Being a foster parent is a very meaningful, yet emotionally and mentally demanding role. For some, this is a calling from the God to care for children and families in need.
But that doesn’t make it easy.
Raising children takes an immense toll on your physical, mental, and emotional health, and it’s important to make sure you’re practicing self-care for foster parents so you can continue to show up for your child and yourself.
Why Self-Care for Foster Parents Matters
Children in foster care need foster parents who are calm, consistent and emotionally present — someone they can rely on. When you are exhausted or overwhelmed, it becomes harder to respond in ways that reflect patience and connection.
Self-care is not selfish; it is vital and essential to your wellbeing. You cannot care for others well if you aren’t pouring into yourself on a consistent basis.
Self-care helps you:
- Prevent burnout and compassion fatigue.
- Remain emotionally regulated when dealing with difficult situations.
- Model emotional consistency for your children.
Practical Self Care Strategies as a Foster Parent
Taking care of yourself does not need to be expensive or extreme, but it needs to be something that is consistent and realistic. Here are some self-care tips you can implement today to get some relief:
1. Create intentional moments in your daily routine to help regulate yourself.
- Practice box breathing (deep breaths: inhale for 4 counts, holding for four counts, exhale for four counts and holding for four counts, creating a “box” with your breath.)
- Stretch or gently move your body.
- Have time for quiet reflection, prayer, or stillness.
2. Connect to a community — you’re not meant to foster alone.
- Join a foster parent support group in your area or through your agency.
- Lean into your faith community by reaching out to your church family for prayer or assistance.
- Engage in community events or trainings to meet other foster parents.
3. Prioritize mental and emotional health.
- Share with a trusted individual when you’re struggling.
- Engage in therapeutic services for yourself.
- Give yourself permission to ask for help.
- Journal regularly by writing 3-5 things that were positives that day or week.
4. Take care of your body.
- Getting outside in the fresh air — taking a walk, running, swimming, etc.
- Drink water and eat regular healthy meals.
- Aim for consistent rest and sleep whenever possible.
Although many of the day-to-day tasks of a foster parent or caregiver go unnoticed or ignored by others, know that God sees every moment of service, sacrifice and faithfulness.
KEY TAKEAWAY
Self-care for foster parents is not selfish. When you take care of yourself, you show children that wellbeing matters, including their own.
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
- What practical self-care steps can I incorporate into my day, week, or month?
- What are my physical, mental, or spiritual signs that I am becoming overwhelmed or depleted?
ACTIVITY
Practicing gratitude is a wonderful way to demonstrate self-care. At your next family meal, play “Build a Blessing Burger” to model this wonderful activity with your kids. Find this game and more in our Everyday Moments™ collection.
KEY VERSE
Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light. ~Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)
PRAYER
Jesus, thank you for calling me to be a foster parent to love children and families in need. When I start to feel overwhelmed or things feel heavy, please renew my strength. In Your name, amen.
