Today is National Siblings Day, and a good opportunity for foster parents to remember how important it is to keep our kids connected to their siblings. Not many people can foster an entire family of children. When we can parent only one or a few children in a family, or some siblings remain with biological family, we need to take on the added responsibility of helping our kids stay in touch with their brothers and sisters.
Why Sibling Connections Matter
For kids in foster care, life can feel like a whirlwind of change—new homes, new routines, new faces. Siblings are a piece of home that doesn’t shift. Many studies show that kids who stay connected with their siblings while in foster care tend to have better mental health, a stronger sense of identity, and more resilience. Think of siblings as built-in allies—someone who gets their story without needing it explained. Keeping that connection alive can be a lifeline, offering comfort and continuity when everything else feels uncertain.
How to Keep Siblings Connected
We don’t have to move mountains to keep our kids connected. It can help a lot if we just take a few small, intentional steps:
- Ask and Listen: Talk to your foster child about their siblings. What do they miss? What memories light them up? This shows you care and helps you plan meaningful ways to reconnect.
- Coordinate Visits: Work with caseworkers or the siblings’ foster parents to plan time together. Birthdays, holidays, and other traditional family times can be particularly important milestones for our kids to connect.
- Use Tech: Set up video calls, group chats, or even virtual game nights. If in-person visits aren’t possible, tools like Zoom or FaceTime can keep siblings laughing and sharing, no matter the distance.
- Advocate for Them: Your kids may not know that keeping in touch is an option. It is our job to speak for them. Let caseworkers know how much these relationships matter. Work hard to keep the sibling’s foster parents or family guardians in your network. These connections are important for our kids, and they may need our help making the contact happen.
Conclusion
Every time we help our foster children reach out to their siblings, we’re writing a chapter in their story where family stays family, even through tough times. This National Siblings Day, take one step—big or small—to connect your foster children with their siblings. In foster care, where so much feels temporary, helping them hold onto their sibling bonds can be a profound source of comfort and resilience.
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