Anyone who is a parent knows this job comes with its share of ups and downs. Foster parenting is no different. These bonus moms often face additional challenges such as dealing with homesickness, interactions with birth families, and court appearances. However, just like having biological children, the benefits usually outweigh the difficulties. Imagine providing emotional support for a child that may receive none otherwise.
Next time you need to get a gift for a foster mom, choose one of these presents that will ease their hectic lives. If you are looking for a gift from a foster child, then you might want to show appreciation with gifts specifically for bonus moms.
1. Chore Charts
Practical gifts for foster mom
Foster moms need to be masters of organization. To teach responsibility, erasable chore charts will help moms assign age appropriate jobs to each child, in a way that is clear and understandable.
An erasable wall calendar will help her keep track of everyone’s school meetings, doctor appointments, and activities. By using color dry erase markers it will be easy to assign each child a color. Then each child can learn how to keep track of their schedule as well.
2. Cube Storage Organizer
Useful foster mom gift ideas
Anyone who has a house full of kids knows it is easy to misplace things. A storage organizer will hold school backpacks, shoes, and lunch boxes. These also organize play areas, bedrooms, and closets.
Storage cubes can be used along with an organizer to hold small items such as socks, underwear, or small toys. It is especially important for children in the foster care system to have a place for their own things.
A wall mounted coat rack will come in handy for coats and umbrellas, but can also hang towels in the bathroom, or belts, totes, and sweaters in the bedroom.
3. 10 Quart Slow Cooker
Gifts for foster mom for mealtime
A foster mom may have many children in the home at the same time. With so many appointments and activities, feeding everyone can be overwhelming. A 10-quart slow cooker can be prepared early in the day with stew ingredients or meat for tacos. Then the meal will be waiting for them later when everyone is worn out after soccer practice.
Sheet pans and large casserole dishes can also be used to make full meals.
4. Photo Printer
Foster mom Mother’s Day gifts
Many foster parents take photos of new children on their first day to measure progress when they leave. A polaroid printer will deliver those photos from their smartphone right into their hands.
Some foster parents keep photo albums of their children. Even though their stay is temporary, these children are family. New photo books will give them a place to store precious memories.
Not only will picture frames give foster moms a way to display her children, these photos will give children a sense of belonging as well.
5. Bulk Stress Toys for Kids
Gifts for foster mom to use for new kids
Foster kids are often distrustful and may suffer from anxiety after being taken from their homes. By giving a bulk pack of stress toys to a foster mom, she can hand these out to new children to help alleviate some of their tension.
A pack of journals is a useful gift for a mom of teens. Many teens have never learned healthy ways to deal with their emotions and thoughts. Providing them with a journal gives them with a safe outlet to express themselves
Conversation Starters can help open dialog to build bonds between family members during meals.
6. Diaper Cake
Unusual foster mom gift ideas
Unfortunately, foster moms don’t have 9 months to prepare for new additions to the family. And rarely does anyone plan a baby shower for them. However, they often might get a call that a new child will be brought over without much notice. Infants may arrive without any supplies, leaving foster parents scrambling at the last minute. To help them prepare for those last minute surprises, order a “diaper cake”. Some will allow for multiple size diapers. Then they will have back up for whatever size baby the stork brings.
A diaper bag filled with baby supplies like wipes, grooming supplies, and bath items will also come in handy.
A multisize onesie pack will keep them from having to run out to the store during that initial transition with a new infant.
7. Door Alarms
Gifts for a new foster mom
While most people baby proof their home, foster parents often need to take extra measures to meet regulations. Door or window alarms will help alert parents to little ones who are curious about what lies beyond and teens trying to sneak out at night.
All foster homes must follow fire codes and need at least one fire extinguisher, most likely more depending on the size of the home.
Although you can never be completely prepared, a baby proofing kit will help prevent some dangerous mishaps.
8. Kids Bath Towels
Practical gift ideas for a foster mom
Remember the last time you were in a new environment. Help a foster mom make new children feel comfortable with cool character bath towels. Having a special towel all their own in a new place can help bring a sense of security.
Character bedding sets will also give children a feeling of something familiar.
A kids air mattress will improvise until a bed can be made ready for a last minute placement.
9. Locking File Box
More safety gifts for a foster mom
Foster households face rigorous inspections before they are allowed to receive children. Parents often need to file papers documenting children’s behavior, important medical info, and background information. These confidential files need to be kept in a safe place. A locking file box, especially one that is fireproof and waterproof will keep them from harm.
Many children may be on regular medications for physical or mental ailments. A locking medication box will keep others from gaining access.
Of course, there are times when accidents happen. A first aid kit that has a complete set of supplies will be appreciated.
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