Right now, a child in your local community needs someone like you
Aug
Hi, I’m Bridget
People sometimes ask me what my proudest moment as a foster parent has been. But the truth is that I couldn’t tell you because there’s been hundreds of little moments.
Like the little boy who used to hide under café tables because he was afraid. But a year later, he quietly walked up to the counter to order his own drink. I couldn’t have been prouder.
Or the little boy who stood looking at a bowl of fruit in my kitchen for days before finally asking, “Can I have some?” He genuinely didn’t know he was allowed. When I took him to buy new shoes, he chose a pair that were far too small because he thought if I measured his feet, I’d tell him he couldn’t have them.
The things most of us take for granted can mean the world to a child who’s never known them.
I won’t pretend fostering is always easy. The hardest part is knowing what some children have already been through. Some days you wish you could simply scoop them up and take away their hurt. But then, little by little, they begin to trust. They begin to laugh, ask for help and believe in themselves.
People often tell me, “I couldn’t do that.” But children don’t need someone perfect. They need someone who’ll keep showing up.
I choose to foster with Barnardo’s, a dedicated children’s charity. And when I’ve needed advice, reassurance or simply someone who understands, they’ve always been there. I’d even say over the years, the team have become more like friends than colleagues.
So if you’re wondering whether you could do this, I’d simply encourage you to have that first conversation.
Because somewhere near you, a child is waiting to share those little moments with you.
Love from, Bridget, Barnardo’s Foster Parent
Could you be someone’s Bridget?
Maybe you’ve never thought about fostering… until now. Right now, more children than ever need safe, loving foster homes in Cardiff.
You don’t need to have all the answers today. If you’re curious about fostering, Barnardo’s Cymru will help you understand what’s involved and support you every step of the way.
Find out more: www.barnardos.org.uk/foster/wales
This is a sponsored post
