It’s Children of Foster Carers Week this October and we’ve been chatting to some of our foster families in RCT about their fostering journeys. Many parents worry about fostering when they already have children, any negative impacts it may have, and if it will take away from them. However we’ve spoken to Alex, William, Paisley and Willow, children in foster families in RCT, about how welcoming others into their home has filled their lives with pride, empathy and new skills.
We asked them the following questions:
- How did you feel before becoming a foster family?
- How do you feel about being part of a foster family now?
- How do you welcome a foster child into your family and home?
- What’s the best thing about fostering?
- How does it make you feel to know that you are helping other children?
- Is there anything else you’d like to share about how you feel about fostering?
We then heard from Paisley and Willow’s mum, Ruth, to find out how she feels her children have grown during their time fostering.
How do children feel before becoming a foster family?
Paisley – I felt very excited!
Willow – I felt happy and a bit sad.
William – Difficult to say really, it happened when I was young so I can’t really recall. I can always remember being asked about each child that would be joining us and if I wasn’t comfortable to say, but feeling is weird to describe as it’s always just been normal for us
How do you feel about being part of a foster family now?
Alex – I feel like it’s something that has opened my eyes to aspects of life that not many people are aware of, and I’m lucky enough to experience these new feelings and things alongside the children/young people. I view my foster brother and sister as my own blood, and I know that they look at me the exact same – it’s like having a really big family!
As an adult, I’m not so involved in the whole process as I’m no longer in the household. But when it comes to meeting new children, helping them settle, introducing them to new activities, it’s so exciting to be able to see that fun and happiness on their faces where maybe they’ve never had it before, and now that I’m an adult I do feel that I take it all in even more.
Paisley – I feel very helpful and kind, and I like having other children in our house (doesn’t matter if it’s a boy or a girl).
Willow – I feel good that I’m able to help out and make a difference in these children’s lives.
William – Extremely honoured in a way to have helped so many people but also nonchalant? I don’t feel like part of a foster family, just part of a family that has people with different surnames in it.
How do you welcome a foster child into your home and family?
Paisley – Show them love, being a good sister to them and showing them around our home. And I helped mammy and daddy buy the things we needed for them.
Willow – I make them feel warm and welcome by showing them love, letting them know that I’m always there for them and that no matter what they are a part of our family.
William – Just try to make them feel comfortable there’s no best way really and everyone can react differently to their circumstances. There’s no guidebook just make them feel safe and comfortable
What’s the best thing about fostering?
Paisley – Being able to make them feel happy.
Willow – The best thing is being able to share my happy life and welcoming them into our loving family when they need it most.
William – Getting to make a difference whether that’s long term placements or something shorter
How does it make you feel to know that you are helping other children?
Alex – I think that basic love and a family dynamic is the foundation to the rest of your life. To give the opportunity to be in a safe place, with open communication, and opportunities such as going to school and making friends, is such a privilege because I know how lucky I was to have that automatically whilst growing up. The relationships and bonds you form from being a young child into early adulthood (as the foster child and the child of foster carers) genuinely stays with you and you continue to see these people and hope the absolute best for them as you would your own family.
Paisley – It makes me feel grateful for what we are doing and it makes me feel like I’m the best big sister to them all.
Willow – It makes me feel like I’m making a positive impact in their lives and I feel very blessed to be a part of a fostering family.
William – Much like the other question extremely honoured and proud, especially of my parents. It’s only really dawned on me recently just how big of a deal fostering is. To me it is normal, I’ve grown up with it, it’s just a normal part of our family, but as I get older and people have heard it is alway met with “wow that’s so hard, I could never be able to do that”- so yes proud
Is there anything else you’d like to share about how you feel about fostering?
Paisley – I think lots of other people should become foster carers and help all the little children who need help.
Willow – I want to encourage other families to become foster carers and let them know that through the good days and the bad days it’s all totally worth it to know we are helping these children in every way we can.
As a foster carer, how have your own children adapted to being in a foster family?
Ruth – Our girls have adapted so well to fostering — they’ve shown patience, resilience, and a natural openness to welcoming others into our home. From the very beginning, they’ve been curious, caring, and eager to help, which has made the transition smoother for the children who come to live with us. We’ve seen them develop strong bonds quickly, offering comfort, laughter, and a sense of belonging. It’s been amazing to watch them grow more understanding and adaptable, learning that family can be shared and love only multiplies.
As a foster carer, what are you most proud of about your child’s involvement in fostering?
Ruth – We’re most proud of how our girls have embraced fostering as part of who they are. They’ve shown such empathy and compassion — whether it’s sharing their toys, offering a hug at the right moment, or helping new children feel included in daily life. They’ve grown in confidence and maturity, learning to see the world through others’ eyes. Watching them step into the role of supportive siblings has been incredibly moving, and we couldn’t be prouder of how they’ve helped make fostering a truly whole-family experience.
Discover how fostering can help your whole family grow, have a look on our website, or contact us here to begin your local authority fostering journey with Foster Wales RCT.
If you reside outside of RCT and are interested in fostering with your local authority elsewhere in Wales, please visit the Foster Wales website.
