Expecting the Unexpected

How’s your history? Back when Britain faced Cold War, high-up government and military officials converted one of the tunnels under Dover Castle into a nuclear bunker. Codenamed ‘Dumpy’, it was designed to house a Regional Seat of Government in the event of atomic attack. Dumpy was kitted out with operations equipment, sleeping quarters, a kitchen and even its very own BBC studio. The space was ready to become a safe home to important people at any time. Until the 1970’s, when it was discovered the famous chalk cliffs surrounding Dumpy actually let radiation straight through. A problem not even Nick Knowles could fix.

Now we know that foster carers are masters of adaptability, organisation and loveliness, but the festive period can often put these skills to the test. Ok, never your loveliness. Christmas is a time when a lot of emergency placements are needed though and expecting the unexpected becomes even more important than usual. And more challenging too.

To help you avoid getting caught out by a lethal, leaky bunker we’ve put together some top tips for welcoming an emergency placement – with a few festive specials, of course. There’s nothing like making a list and checking it twice…

1. Have some neutral spare bedding and towels ready if your spare room is needed. At this time of year, it could be a nice touch to have a small artificial tree or a string of fairy lights to decorate the room too. Keep these simple though so they can easily be removed if your placement isn’t in a festive mood.
2. Alongside bedding, stock up on toiletries. We know you probably keep a stash, but with shops closing, Christmas is not a great time to run out. It is also a lovely idea to place some sanitary products ready in an older girl’s room. Embarrassing questions will feel extra awkward for them on Christmas day.
3. Older children may well really appreciate it if you keep a couple well-known brand phone chargers too. Staying in touch with their friends even when they can’t see them could help them to feel less annexed and lonely. eBay is a goldmine.
4. Did we mention the shops might be shut yet? Either that or supermarkets will be crammed full of last-minute mince pie buyers. Space in the freezer for perennial favourites like chicken nuggets and waffles, or even portions of your homemade lasagne will keep you covered if your surprise guest isn’t into turkey and leftovers.
5. So many placements arrive accompanied by carrier bags. Keep a rucksack or holdall for every child who stays with you. They may not stay long, especially around Christmas, but having something nice to put their old and new things in when they leave is a little touch that can mean a lot.
6. To help a new child feel included on the big day, keep some spare toys or items for various ages that can be quickly wrapped and placed under the tree. Having an extra stocking to hang and small gifts to fill it is also lovely. Chocolate, stationery and Santa hats have no age boundaries, likewise a free pass to watch their favourite film. Soft toys are also a great idea for all ages and comforting to cuddle.

We know Christmas can be crazy with Nativities, parties, present-buying, meltdowns and paperwork, but we also know foster carers are fantastic! If you need any help or advice over the festive season, we will of course be here for you. Especially if the unexpected does arise.