You know how it is…you wake up one day with that feeling it’s going to be a long day. Nothing can change it – you just know. I’m a Foster carer – have been for six years. I love it. So does my wife. But the summer holidays test you out alright. We’ve had some great kids stay with us, but keeping them entertained can be a challenge. For all you Foster Carers out there; and I’m sure you know – keeping tabs on the summer blockbuster movies is a must. An absolute must. You can be sure of a few hours relaxing in the dark at least. And if the film’s not too loud, you can even get a bit of ‘shut eye’. You know where there kids are – they’re happy – course they are – with their slush puppies and popcorn.

What I love is the build up. Especially if I want to see the film too – after all I’m a bit of a kid so we all get excited together. And, I’m a bit off a movie buff too and just love the ‘flicks’. All that CGI – (special effects for the uninitiated) and crushed pop corn underfoot – nothing like!

We just had Ed ‘rock up’: another emergency placement. Supposed to be an ‘overnighter’ as me and my wife think of these youngsters. Ed’s twelve – no possessions when he came – just a carrier bag with a banana and bar of chocolate in it – his lunch he said. Strange. But then fostering can be – any carer will tell you that. He was tired, and so were we. Jules, my ‘trouble and strife’ is a brick – she fed him and got him into bed. These kind of foster placements – especially when a youngster arrives late – work out best if everyones had a good nights sleep. Not always possible, I grant – but well worth the effort.

So, next day turns round. Ed looks down in the dumps. Jules and me do what we always do in the summer holidays with a brooding youngster. Online and away we go…looking up the summer film releases. It can work a treat. And usually does. A good tip for foster carers – these websites are brilliant at getting kids excited. Breaks down barriers…helps them forget their troubles.

The websites, well, they’ve got movie clips – so you’re almost at the movies straight away. It can work a treat. Really. Before you know where you are, everyone is involved and shouting out what they want to see. No different with Ed. Great to see him getting all worked up telling us what he wanted to watch. Jumping about he was without even realising. You can get a really good chat going. And I always ‘egg it all up’ a bit – the actor in me I guess! Anyway, Ed loved it…kids do – especially seeing a grown up getting as excited as they are.  So, after not very long, we chose ‘The Incredibles 2’ – “much anticipated” – the website said. The review said it was “packed with the day-to-day heroics of normal life at home”. Could have been describing what foster carers do every day I thought to myself…lol. Film sounded good though  – packed with super heroes and villains and a “mission being derailed” – that also sounded like some of our fostering experiences…only joking! Jules and I always find a way of muddling through!

So, there we are in the queue for tickets. I’m happy. Ed’ s happy. Jules is happy ‘cos she can go shopping. Takes me back…suddenly I’m twelve again at the pictures with my old man:  “A Million Years BC” is the film I most remember seeing with him – all dinosaurs made out of plasticine and not looking too convincing. Back then and still today, there’s just something special about the experience of a cinema trip… going into the dark…not being able to see properly for a few secs then bashing your knee on the seat in front as you sit down. The chocolate you’ve got starts to melt – even before the film has started. Then all those silhouettes of heads bobbing up and down at the bottom of the screen. And I always love the way the screen widens for the feature itself. Just sets the mood for me – all anticipation.

Two and a bit hours later, Jules is hovering outside in the car to pick us up. Films are good – telling everyone your favourite bit, and why it was better than theirs, certainly gets the conversation going…that’s what kids like. And Ed was no different. A good summer ‘blockbuster’ can bring you together as a family – you find you can still be talking about it days later. So, all you foster carers take note again: this is a brill way of sharing an experience and creating a bit of ‘family’ magic.

*Names changed to protect privacy.

Could you do what Steve and Jules do?

If Steve’s little insight into the world of foster care struck a chord, you could well have what it takes to be a foster carer. Make a lasting difference to the lives of children and young people… it can be tough, but there are many good times and happy memories to be had. And never forget we provide round the clock support and lots of scope for training for all our foster carers.

For an informal chat about a career in foster care – with no obligation or pressure, call Rainbow on 020 8427 3355 or 0330 311 2845.

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