The first in a brief series of articles suggesting activities that will help you to Foster a strong relationship with the child that you care for. The temperature has plunged and you have a bored baby or toddler to keep entertained. Brrrrr it’s freezing outside and Christmas is now just a memory. So what do you do to ‘foster some fun’? Here a just a few simple, fun ideas to lessen the boredom:

A new use for pots and pans: with music in the background, a wooden spoon is a great, easy to hold ‘drumstick’ capable of producing all sorts of intriguing sounds when hitting pots of different sizes. A great way to introduce a sense of rhythm.

Finger painting: It’s ‘finger lickin’ – with your youngster placed in the high chair, spread a dollop of plain yoghurt on the tray along with a dollop of strawberry yoghurt so they can experiment making patterns.   

Bath time fun: doesn’t have to be the last thing in the evening – add a few toys and bubble bath and just watch the time pass. And you end up with a clean child!

Cushion maze: you can change your living room into a colourful ‘playground’ by arranging cushions and pillows in interesting patterns. Drape a few blankets over chairs to make an enticing tunnel.

A story session: cuddle up with your baby and tell a simple story using lots of facial expressions to engage their interest.   

And foster some fun for toddlers too…

Sort out some cardboard boxes: they are great for imaginative play for a box can be a house, a car – with several they can even be a train.

Indoor bowls: with a foam ball and some old plastic bottles you can create an Indoor bowling alley.

An indoor treasure hunt: a simple way to engage a toddler’s interest, perhaps with a special prize featuring a teatime treat.

Make a video: film your child telling and acting out their own story. They’ll just love watching themselves and it’s a great way to encourage a young imagination.

Wanting to foster children – or young people? Then don’t forget ‘Rainbow Rewards’

We are an independent fostering agency that will pay a bonus of £500 if you are in a position to refer someone to be a foster carer: you’ll receive the bonus once your referral has been approved to work with us and the first placement has been accepted. People who already foster, if they transfer to Rainbow, will also qualify for a special bonus: this will be a payment for foster carers who are already caring for youngsters on a long-term basis.

And the good news at the end of this particular rainbow…we have had a great response to our Twitter campaign aimed at attracting followers from the literary world. The work of promoting literacy goes on…it is the fundamental life skill. We are currently working hard to promote literacy and there are some reading recommendations for children on our Facebook page – visit and scroll down: http://bit.ly/2csBXVd

More News if you foster – keeping you informed

We have a special news section on our web site for all who foster, or simply have a general interest.

Here you will find the stories that are making the headlines in the world of fostering: simply visit http://bit.ly/2e8PrIK for regular updates.

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