7 Things to Include in a Foster Child’s Bedroom

If you are a foster parent or are considering becoming one, there are some basic necessities that you will want to include when furnishing a bedroom for your foster child. Preparing a bedroom for a child or children whom you have never met can be rather tricky. But giving your foster children their own space will help them feel at home, offer them safety and stability, and give them a little privacy which is incredibly important when settling into a new home and family. While you might have to make some changes based on the age and personal tastes of the child, this list provides you with 7 things to include in your foster child’s bedroom to make them feel as comfortable as possible.

1. Space for Personalization

You definitely will want to create a safe and comfortable space that includes creative additions and a few personalized items to make your foster child feel at home. But try not to fill the room with things you have chosen. Leave some empty shelves and drawers, blank wall space, and empty photo frames to allow your foster child to add their own possessions and personal touches. You can even take them shopping to let them choose some bedroom items that speak to their personality. These types of personal touches can help the child to feel safe in their new home environment. If you have any questions about general fostering or ways to provide extra stability, Orange Grove Foster Care agency offers plenty of valuable advice.

2. Home Comforts

All children, even older teenagers, need the quiet comfort of home sometimes. While you should always be on the ready to offer comfort and support to your foster child, you should also provide them with the adequate tools for self-comfort. Many children find much comfort in soft blankets and throws, downy pillows, and even sentimental stuffed animals and plush toys.

3. Colour

Because you probably don’t know the child’s personal tastes and preferences, try to keep the bedroom walls and general decor in neutral colours so it is suitable for any child. You can add colour later with bedroom accessories and furnishings chosen by the child to create a more welcoming and positive space. If you are unsure of what colors to choose, stick with gender neutral shades like yellows and oranges, and keep things bright and cheerful if possible. 

4. Storage Space

By offering dedicated storage space for your foster child’s personal belongings, you are letting them know that they are welcome in your home and part of your family. Since you really don’t know how much stuff a foster child will bring with them to their new home, make sure you have at least provided an empty bookshelf, empty drawers, and maybe even a toy box or other storage containers.

5. Furniture

Obviously a bedroom needs bedroom furnishings such as a bed, a desk and chair, a lamp, a chest of drawers, a bookshelf or bookcase, and a toy box or other storage bins that are suitable for children of any age. If you need extra sleeping accommodations, you may consider adding a cot or a trundle bed to as well which can be stored out of sight during the daytime hours.

6. Laundry Basket or Bin

A foster child will likely desire more privacy in your home than your biological family members do. Providing them with a personal laundry basket or bin in their bedroom will offer them privacy and functionality when getting dressed or changing clothes.

7. Nightlight

Children of any age can be scared of the dark but foster children are more likely to feel frightened or uncomfortable in a new place or if they have experienced any kind of significant trauma. Place a nightlight in their bedroom to help ease any nighttime fears without the child feeling embarrassed to ask for it. If they don’t need a nightlight, they can simply turn it off themselves.

As you prepare a bedroom to welcome a new child into your home, do not stress about perfection. If the bedroom is clean and tidy, aesthetically pleasing and well presented, and has the necessary furniture and supplies, adding the finishing touches can be something that you do together as a fun bonding experience after your foster child arrives in your home.

If you have any other tips to add for preparing your home to welcome a new foster child, please feel free to share them in the comments. And to those of you who foster children, thank you for doing this much needed service in your communities.

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Cover Image by Krista Grover from Unsplash