what first inspired me to foster
I thought about fostering for 10 years. I had known people who were foster carers and always admired the difference they made. My husband knew it was something I wanted to do, but he wanted us to have our own children first. When our youngest were three, he said, “I’m ready to start fostering now,” and that’s when our journey began.
why we chose to foster siblings
Initially, I was approved to care for one child, but for the past three years, we’ve fostered siblings—and it’s been incredibly rewarding. I work part-time in the NHS alongside fostering, and the balance works well for our family.
the joys and challenges of fostering
One of the greatest joys is seeing the bond and trust grow. When children feel comfortable at home, you know you’re doing something right. I’ll never forget when one of my foster children bought gifts for me and my husband from her own pocket money. Seeing her transformation over three years—from arriving with challenges to thriving—is priceless.
Of course, fostering comes with challenges. It takes time, patience, and consistency. Setting boundaries and routines early on is key. I always remind new carers: put the work in at the start and make them feel at home.
“am I the right person to foster?”
Many people worry they’re not the right type of person. My advice? Don’t let fear hold you back. Every child is different, and sometimes the match isn’t perfect—but you grow through the experience. I’ve cared for teenagers and sibling groups with trauma. It was challenging, but it taught me resilience and the importance of therapeutic parenting. Training and support make a huge difference.
balancing work and fostering
My husband works from home, and I work part-time in the NHS. Having a good balance and strong communication between us is essential.
becoming a referrer and spreading the word
I’ve referred three people to fostering and often talk about it with friends. In my community, there’s sometimes hesitation because people don’t know what fostering involves. But when friends see the positive changes in children, they become interested. These children are now part of our family—they come to weddings and get along with all our relatives. Sharing that enthusiasm matters.
what new carers should know
Understand who’s who and where to go for support. There’s a big team behind you, and communication is key. Children need love and patience—they don’t always understand why they feel angry. Over time, they’ll trust you and see you as their safe adult.
what fostering has taught me
Fostering has made me reflect and improve my parenting skills. It’s not always easy—I’ve had moments of tears—but the rewards outweigh the challenges. When children start trusting you, it’s life-changing.
One memory stands out: during Eid, we welcomed a nine-year-old girl for a short break. She arrived with her arms folded, unsure of what to expect. We bought her a new dress for the celebration, and she loved it so much she asked for matching shoes. When she left, she gave me a big hug. That moment reminded me why fostering matters.
want to start your own fostering journey?
If reading Naila’s story has inspired you to think about becoming a foster carer, then we’d love to hear from you.
Living in Cardiff, Wales? Send us a message and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
If you live elsewhere in Wales, visit the Foster Wales website where you can find all the information and contact your local authority service.
