Fostering a child is one of the most rewarding and impactful things a person can do. Providing a safe and comfortable home for a child to live in, whether temporary or long-term, is something that requires a lot of thought and once you decide it’s right for you, it’s time to go all in.
While there is plenty to be mindful of when bringing a foster child home, one important thing is to create a welcoming and comfortable bedroom for them. This is one of the first rooms you’ll show them, and it’s meant to be their private space. So, how do you design the perfect room for them? Here are some tips you can use.
Do You Know the Age of the Child You Will Be Fostering?
Depending on the situation and the type of fostering that you have been approved for, you may know well in advance the age, or it can be last minute. Fostering agencies just like fosteringpeople.co.uk may discuss potential age groups in advance, so you may have some idea.
Designing an age-appropriate space can be tricky if you don’t know the age. If that’s the case, keep things simple, as you can always add to it later.
Keep the Design Streamlined and Uncluttered
It’s also a good idea to keep the room streamlined and uncluttered. Walking into a busy or tight feeling space can be overwhelming for a child. It’s too much to take in and there is a good chance they are already feeling a fair amount of stress.
Get a Comfy Bed
Sleeping in a strange bed can be stressful at the best of times, the least you can do is make sure it’s super comfy. Simba beds are really stylish looking, have loads of options for storage and are incredibly comfortable when paired with a Simba mattress. My son has a Simba hybrid essential mattress and we can’t get over how comfy it is.
A Simba bed and mattress make for a very welcoming bedroom for anyone who needs to sleep in it.
Choose a Neutral Colour Palette
As for what colour to paint their bedroom, designers tend to suggest a neutral colour for the walls such as pale grey, cream, white or taupe with the option to add pops of colour. These pops of colour can be showcased through the bedding, throw pillows, a cosy throw blanket, artwork and posters and other décor pieces.
Make Sure There is a Nightlight
No matter the age of the child you are fostering, it’s a good idea to have at least one night light in the room. At the very least this is a new home and a new room for the child, so it will take some getting used to. It’s normal for them to feel nervous those first few nights, so having a night light can be quite comforting.
Place Some Basic Clothing in Their Wardrobe
While kids may come with their belongings, it doesn’t hurt to have a couple of outfits bought, washed and put away for them in the room. It will be a nice welcome for them and could prove necessary if they don’t have much. It’s also a great way to make their room feel like theirs, as it already has belongings intended for them in the space.
Providing a foster child with a fresh new bedroom space is a great way to make them feel comfortable and welcome, especially in those early days.