Diary Of A Foster Mom on Lockdown

A recent BBC report found that out of 135 healthcare workers who have died from Coronavirus, 84 were from African and Asian backgrounds. To say COVID-19 does not discriminate is fanciful thinking. If you live in low-income housing, have poor health, and can’t afford to eat healthily you are at risk. Similarly, if you are a black or brown NHS worker regardless of how good at your job and well respected you are.

I became a foster carer when my son had just started kindergarten. Initially, I was full of excitement but also a little nervous. A week before I got the call Baby Blu was coming to live with us, I spent the entire time getting her room ready and making sure everything was perfect for when she arrived.

Blu stayed with us for around six months before returning back to live with her birth family. Four years later, I feel blessed to have welcomed six beautiful children into our home.

My current foster child has been with us for three months. Before lockdown he was having contact with his birth parents and siblings for two hours three days a week.

However, forty-one days ago on March 23rd the country and most of the world went into isolation.

What this means is that many thousands of care-experienced children like mine are no longer able to have physical contact with their birth families and teachers. My foster son, Star hasn’t been around his siblings and parents for almost two months.

It seems learning creatively at home is bringing many families together. However, for some who live in poverty or face domestic abuse, it can be scary.

Homeschooling hasn’t been easy and it takes time to find your rhythm. Now six weeks in my son and foster child are more open to learning new skills. We are enjoying gardening, learning a new language and cooking together.

Sometimes the kids even dress up as their favorite superhero for live P.E workouts with The Body Coach Joe Wicks.