From Resentment to Resilience: A Foster Carer’s Self-Care Journey

Foster carers often come to your services full of hope, but over time you might notice resentment replacing resilience. They’re tired, overwhelmed, and stuck. Sound familiar?​

Resentment often signals unmet needs. As professionals supporting carers,  modelling what it looks like to put your oxygen mask on first is essential.​

Support strategies to build resilience:​

• Help carers name and express what they’re feeling.​

• Encourage rest and realistic expectations.​

• Share tools for reflection and recovery.​

• Create space for storytelling and connection.​

• Recognise emotional labour, tiredness and celebrate endurance.​

  
  

Make Your Self-care Inevitable. ​

Recommended reading:​ The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk – understanding trauma in both children and carer