Remembering Foster Children After They Go Home

Goodbye is always bittersweet in foster care.  You’ve done your job- you provided a safe place until they were able to go home, but you also miss them like crazy.  They were part of your life, and although you couldn’t shout it from the rooftops, you can still commemorate their time with you.  Here are a few ideas to help remember placements that have moved on.

 

 1. The Foster Family Tree

This family tree emphasizes love over DNA.  It’s versatile where it could be a large mural on a wall or a modest hanging picture with names written on each leaf.  Just make sure that your family doesn’t consist of a potted plant, teddy bear, and is that a monkey in the bottom right photo?

 

2.  Winnie the Pooh

I was never a fan of Winnie the Pooh, but then I started fostering and realized how perfectly relevant that little bear actually is.  I love this quote.  I could see this image surrounded by the faces of children you’ve had in your home.

 

3. Plant a Tree

I love the idea of planting a tree for each placement.  It’s a permanent and beautiful reminder of each child you’ve had in your home.  Apple trees would be my pick, but you could do any type of plant you want!



3. Silhouette Art

Silhouettes make classy portraits, and they also protect identities.  Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make!  Click on the image below for a DIY tutorial.

 

4. Walk of Fame

If you’re a gardener or have a walkway that needs a little pizazz, this project is for you!  Have each child decorate a unique stepping stone with a hand or footprint.  I absolutely love the one my son made for me; it has an honored place in my flower garden.

 

5.  The Big Ruler

I LOVE the large wooden growth rulers.  I honestly don’t know why I haven’t made a  DIY one by now.  It’d be a very fun tradition to take each child’s height before they leave.  

 

6. Kid Artwork

It’s hard to beat those adorable kid creations.  Let them go crazy and work their own masterpiece you can showcase on your wall.

 

7. Jewelry

If you want something you can carry with you, there are so many jewelry options for foster parents.  It might get a little crowded if you’ve been doing it a long time, but jewelry can be a tasteful and discreet way of remembering placements.

 

How do you remember placements you’ve had?  Tell us in the comments below or share a photo with us by emailing stillorphans@gmail.com.

 

[Click on images for links to sources and DIY tutorials]