• Recreation – Recreation is an important aspect of a child’s development. It provides opportunities for self-expression and aids in the development of a positive self identity through personal achievement. Recreation also provides a positive emotional outlet for children and opportunities to develop such traits as sportsmanship, fairness, cooperation, self-control and others. Foster parents should observe children closely and encourage and support them in their talents and interests. 

Children should be provided an opportunity, if possible, to participate in activities of interest, such as: dance (ballet, etc.); sports (soccer, etc.); music; art; theatre or other interests. Special events and other outings enjoyed by children may include the following:

-circuses 

-roller skating 

-picnics 

-live TV character shows (Barney, etc.) 

-carnivals -county fairs 

-sporting events 

-movies -live concerts (screen for teens) 

-family reunions 

-camping 

-theme parks (Six Flags, White Water, etc.)

Children should also be provided the opportunity to visit other local places of interest that may enhance their growth and development. These may include the following:

-museum -zoo -planetarium -live play -state capitol -airport -cultural/historical sites -park -library 

Foster parents should discuss this area with Case Managers to determine the appropriateness of any questionable activities/locations. In some instances, your local DFCS agency or community businesses and organizations may provide access to activities or events at a reduced cost or free of charge. 

Foster parents or an appropriate adult person should accompany children on outings. With your approval, teens (using the criteria discussed under supervision) may be allowed to attend suitable events alone or with peers. Children can be very resourceful in helping to plan their own leisure time activities. This should be encouraged, and may be used as a special treat or a “reward” for continued positive behavior.

• Chores -- Children typically do not maintain a positive attitude about having to perform family chores. However, these and other responsibilities are instrumental in helping the child develop such character traits as dependability, cleanliness, diligence and responsibility. In deciding what chores you will assign the child to complete, your best guide is what you would expect of your own child at the same age and level of maturity, or what should reasonably be expected of a child at that stage of development. Younger children will require some help with their chores. Try to make this a fun experience for them. 

In some instances, certain chores may be assigned to children in order to challenge or strengthen their capabilities. The assignment of too many challenging tasks, however, will only serve to discourage or anger the child, and should be avoided. Children should never be made to feel that they have to “earn their keep.” Rather, they should be made to understand that as a member of the family, the responsibilities assigned to them represent their share of the overall family responsibilities in the upkeep and maintenance of the home. 

• Moral/Spiritual Development -- It is important that children be provided opportunities for moral and spiritual development. However, this should not conflict with the preferences of older children, particularly when there is a significant philosophical difference in religious beliefs, or with birth parents when rights have not been terminated. This can be a very delicate area and should be discussed with the case manager.

Beliefs and actions that may be taught and modeled by foster parents, and which may contribute to the moral and spiritual development of children, are commonly found within most religious and spiritual precepts in one form or another, and may include the following: 

-Self-Respect and Self-Worth -Honesty -Respect for others -Courage -Courtesy -Self-Control -Cheerfulness -Fairness -Kindness -Perseverance -Tolerance -Virtuousness -A Respect for Creation and Creator 

In addition, opportunities for positive mentoring and character building may be sought through local houses of worship; Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts; Big Brothers and Big Sisters; the Kiwanis Club; Cool Girls; 4-H Clubs; the Junior League; sororities and fraternities; Boys and Girls Clubs; 100 Black Men and other similar social and civic community groups and organizations.

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