With the days getting shorter and many of us retreating indoors, it can be difficult to find winter activities that will keep all the family entertained. When fostering teenagers in particular you may be looking for a way to keep them from spending too much time online or on their phones. But it doesn’t have to be that complicated to organise winter activities that are fun for all age groups.
At Orchard Fostering, we’re committed to providing 24/7 support for foster carers and we know that it’s the little things that make a difference in family life. That’s why we’ve gathered some great ways to spend quality time together in winter 2023.
If you’re interested in foster care, please reach out to Orchard Fostering today. We’re available on the phone or via email – you can also fill out a form directly on our contact page.
Fun Winter Activities for Foster Teens and Kids
Have a Board Game Night
Throwing a board game night is a great way to get the family together around a common cause! Make it a tournament and create teams and a prize for the winner. This is something the whole family can get involved with. Playing board games also comes with developmental benefits, such as learning how to work in a team, how to be a good loser, and generally improving language skills.
Bake Some Winter Treats
Did someone say hot chocolate? From cookies to desserts, satisfy your creativity and your sweet tooth at the same time. It’s as simple as finding a new recipe, throwing on an apron, and making some delicious baked goods – and even better memories!
Get Crafty!
There’s nothing better than getting crafty in the colder months. Make a bird feeder, gather some old photographs to put together in a scrapbook, or take up a new skill like knitting. There’s a craft for every interest. This can also be a fun way to decorate the house with some homemade Halloween decorations.
Volunteer
Using spare time to give back is always a good idea, and a great way to get involved with your local community. It’s also a wonderful way for a family to spend time together doing good and feeling good. Help an older neighbour with some chores, pick up litter in green spaces, or join a group of volunteers to meet other families and kids giving back.
Stress-Busting Winter Activities for Foster Carers
At Orchard Fostering, we know how much care goes into providing a supportive home for foster children. But it’s important for foster carers to take some time out for themselves too. Here are some proven ways to de-stress during the winter months.
Go for a Winter Walk
Winter doesn’t need to put a stop to outdoor activities and can be as picturesque as summer if you just find the right places. Taking some time in nature is also proven to reduce stress and helps provide some perspective when things begin to pile up. Find a trail near your house and go on a family or solo walk for a breath of fresh air.
Clear Out
A fantastic way to reduce stress is by simply getting organized. Cleaning out old clutter and creating more space can have an enormous impact on managing your mental health as a foster carer. Collect any unwanted books, old DVDs, CDs, games, clothes, shoes and sell them online or donate them to a local charity shop.
Get Stuck Into a Good Book
Winter was made for curling up with a good book. If you’re fostering young children, reading with them can be a great way to have them engage with literature at an early age. But don’t forget to focus on your own wellbeing too. Take some inspiration from books on fostering, or dive into a fictional world.
Have a Movie Marathon
This is the perfect season to turn off distractions and gather on the couch for some movie magic. Choose a theme or indulge in some Christmas classics for a night of family fun. This is a great, easy way to spend quality time together without spending a dime or venturing outside on darker nights.
If you’re interested in foster care, please reach out to Orchard Fostering today. We’re available on the phone or via email – you can also fill out a form directly on our contact page.