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Music can have a profound impact on children, especially children who are in foster care. Listening to music, dancing to music, or even creating their own music can provide a sense of security and comfort, while giving kids in foster care an outlet that they can use to express themselves. Music has always been able to bring people closer together, and the same is true for foster children.
Music Helps Children Express Themselves
One of the main ways that music benefits kids in foster care is that it can serve as an excellent form of self-expression. Many children who are in the foster care system have been through challenging or traumatic experiences and may find it difficult to communicate their feelings through words. Using music, kids in foster care can find a way to express themselves emotionally and process the things they have been through. Making music can also have powerful rewards for kids in foster care, as it allows them to create something that’s unique to them, providing a sense of empowerment and achievement.
Music Therapy for Foster Children
Music therapy is another excellent way that music can be beneficial for children in the foster care system. This is a well-established practice that is often used to help both children and adults deal with problems such as depression, anxiety, and other emotional turmoil. Music therapy can be effective at helping children process trauma and improve their emotional and psychological wellbeing. Along with this, taking part in music therapy can help children in foster care develop stronger self-esteem, and reduce feelings of isolation and shame.
Cognitive Development Benefits
Along with various emotional benefits, music can also have a positive impact on children’s cognitive development. Studies have found that listening to and creating music can be very effective at improving attention, memory, and problem-solving skills along with promoting critical thinking skills and creativity.
Love Music? Help a Foster Child by Providing a Loving Home
Whether you are just somebody who listens to a lot of music, or somebody who makes music of your own, inviting a foster child to share in the experience with you can be extremely rewarding. Foster parents are from all backgrounds and walks of life, and if you have found that music has helped you through tough times in your life, then you may be able to introduce a foster child to its many benefits. A foster care agency can provide further information to help you decide if fostering is the right path for you.
How to Become a Foster Parent
To become a foster parent in the UK, you need to be at least 21 years old and a permanent resident, either through citizenship or leave to remain. You need to be able to provide a stable, secure environment for a child including a positive home life and a spare bedroom that is suitable for them to have their own space. While not required, flexible working is preferred since you will need to commit a lot of time to your child. You’ll need to pass a background check and a home check before you can be accepted to foster.
Music can be therapeutic for anyone, and for kids in foster care, listening to or making music can improve wellbeing, boost self-esteem, and sharpen cognitive skills.
