My first placement in 2 days-any advice welcome

[Hanz87]

I have my first placement starting Monday as long as all goes well. I have suddenly become very nervous of what to expect. Just wanted some general advice of what to expect, or other peoples first placement. Thanks in advance.

It's not something you can put on paper but just to say I'm six years in and still get nervous all children are different and you never know what you get.

Be firm but fair.

Please ensure your la/Ifa have given you another
More experienced foster carer as a
Mentor
Remember your still human you may shout occasionally loose your temper walk away
Children can come from
Constant conflict this is where they are comfortable so they will push your buttons to get you there, especially teenagers
Go with your gut
Record as much as possible
Ask for help when needed

Set your boundaries and stick to them from day one. If you have birth children remember to have one to one time with them as it will be a big adjustment for them. Do your diary notes every day.

If you can, try to imagine how it will be for the child. They will be feeling very apprehensive too.

Be gentle and have some nice activities lined up at home and out and about that are age are appropriate and that don't cost loads so it doesn't matter if you don't do them.

Don't buy loads of stuff because you don't know what they will arrive with. If they need stuff you can choose it together. However, do make sure that you have double sets of mattress protectors and bedding in case you have a wet bed first night, you'll need to have dry bedding ready to switch quickly and without fuss.

Make sure the SW tells you any routines they have, bedtime, food, school etc. Try to stick to them if you can.

Have a little welcome book with pictures and your house rules so these things are talked about as part of your welcome. Things like what to do if they need more loo roll, what to wear around the house.

Make the room welcoming with something soft and comforting available, but don't be disappointed if they bring their own comforters and reject yours.

Have some strategies for dealing with behaviour and settling difficulties. Be prepared to have a lot of unsettled nights at first, but equally be prepared for a change to unsettled after a few weeks- attachment stuff doesn't always show at the start.

Smile, open your heart and prepare to be challenged and to fall in love.