As the kids enjoy some time away from school for the summer holidays , many of our foster families are no doubt be counting down the days to a well-deserved summer getaway.
Whether you’re spending a week at a caravan park, enjoying all the natural beauty that Scotland has to offer or are venturing abroad for the first time with your foster children, grab your shades, kick back and relax as we answer some common questions about travelling with foster children and share our top tips for taking your foster child on holiday this summer.
Can I take my foster child on holiday?
The simple answer is, yes! You should discuss any plans with your supervising social worker and your child’s social worker when you’re planning a family getaway, as they’ll be able to provide a letter of consent if you choose to travel abroad, providing they agree that the trip is right for the child.
Depending on your young person’s circumstances, you may also need permission from their birth family to take a holiday together. If your foster child requires a passport to travel, you can contact the Passport Advice Line for tailored support.
Should we holiday at home or abroad as a foster family?
A staycation in Scotland can be a great option if you’re looking for an affordable break, if your foster child is nervous about travelling, or if you simply prefer fish supper on the pier to lazy days by the pool. If you choose to stay in Scotland there are plenty of amazing options, including enjoying a fantastic hiking holiday, a lively city break or taking an overnight ferry to the stunning Shetland Islands. Exploring Scotland can be the perfect opportunity for you and your family to explore our rich history, get active and take some time to recharge.
Travelling abroad as a family is a fantastic opportunity to open your foster child up to a world of new experiences, giving them some incredible memories and helping them to build their confidence and gain a greater understanding of other cultures. Many foster children won’t have had the opportunity to travel abroad before, so there’s potential for you to introduce them to unforgettable new experiences, such as getting to swim in the ocean for the first time or seeing exotic animals in their natural habitat.
Let’s take a look at some tips for travelling locally or abroad with your foster children, and how you can best consider your foster child’s unique needs when on holiday.
3 Tips for a summer staycation as a foster family
- Start small. For some care-experienced children, a holiday with their foster family may be their first experience of travelling for fun. Your first holiday together might be an overwhelming experience, especially if your home has become their safe space. It might be a good idea to start small with a weekend away rather than a jam-packed lengthy holiday, helping them to build their confidence before taking on a bigger adventure like an overseas trip.
- Maintain routines while away from home. Many foster children, particularly those with additional needs, can struggle with changes in their routine. Sticking closely to elements of their daily routine, such as honouring their usual mealtimes and bedtimes, can help things feel a little more familiar when in a new environment. Once away, keeping in contact with loved ones back home can also provide some comfort and reassurance, such as by receiving photos of how the family pets are doing or chatting with friends and family via video call.
- Involve your foster child in the planning process. Show your foster child pictures of your accommodation and the places you’ll be visiting to help build excitement for your trip and ease any nerves they may have about going on holiday. It can also be a great idea to let them pick out some activities they’d enjoy getting up to while you’re away, such as visiting a waterpark or zoo. Allowing your foster child to pack their own case can also give them some feelings of control over the situation and provide reassurance— just check it over to make sure they’ve remembered all of the essentials!
3 Tips for travelling abroad with your foster child
- Limit travel anxiety. It’s common for children to feel anxious about travelling by plane or spending time away from home, especially if it is their first time abroad. You can help to ease their worries by talking them through the process beforehand and showing them what to expect, such as by watching YouTube videos together or even visiting the airport in advance to watch the planes take off and become familiar with these new surroundings.
- Bring comforting items from home. Bringing along some home comforts like familiar foods, a hand-held game console, colouring books or a sensory toy bag can help things to feel a little more like home while on holiday. They can also help children to avoid boredom during the lengthy periods of waiting which often come with travelling, such as if a flight gets delayed or if you have to take a long car journey.
- Have a plan in place for when big emotions arise. Holidays are great fun, but they can also come with lots of stress, particularly when children are out of their normal routine. The hot weather, unfamiliar surroundings and busy crowds can lead to interrupted sleep and feelings of overwhelm. Building some downtime into your schedule and having a plan in place for if your kids become overwhelmed will help to ensure that you can create a happy holiday experience for the whole family to cherish.
Time to enjoy some fun in the sun!
If you are still unsure about any aspect of taking foster children on holidays, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your supervising social worker for advice. Your support network will do all that they can to help make your holiday one to remember— just don’t forget to pack your camera to capture your memories, and bring along plenty of sunscreen for those hot, balmy days!
Looking for more tips on day-to-day life with your foster kids? Check out our blog for plenty of advice from our experts and our foster parents, including fun activities to keep the kids occupied over the summer.
If you’re interested in learning more about fostering a child, contact us today to discover the part you can play in helping children in need across Scotland, or find out what it’s like to transfer to us.
