Autumn is a perfect time to spend more time together as a family. As the days are getting shorter and cooler, enjoy some time both indoors and outdoors welcoming the new season. It’s easy to keep up quality time together during summer, with vacations and trips abroad. In autumn, as routines return to normal and children go back to school, it’s important to schedule in time together instead. There’s no better way to do this than embracing all that the season has to offer. Maybe you’ve welcomed the Autumn season by embracing foster care or are already providing short-term or long-term care for a foster child. From nature scavenger hunts to potluck dinners with autumn themed recipes, here are some ideas on how to welcome Autumn as a foster family.
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.
Go for a Nature Scavenger Hunt
As the weather changes, spend some time enjoying the harvest season and soaking up the beauty of the new season. This is a great way to keep the kids entertained as well as teaching them more about the natural world. Design a checklist of items family members need to collect or photograph in the garden, park or local woodland area, with a prize for the most checked off items. One of the first things that comes to mind when one pictures Autumn is the leaves changing colour. Make this part of your nature scavenger hunt by photographing some beautiful shades of the foliage. You can observe and identify different kinds of birds that visit your backyard or nearby park. Other items to look for include acorns, pinecones, and mushrooms.
Host an Autumn “Potluck”
Butternut squash, pumpkins, cinnamon spice – there are so many wonderful flavours that encapsulate the Autumn season. Make the most of the harvest season by gathering together friends and family and hosting a potluck dinner that celebrates these delicious flavours. Make sure to assign different categories of dishes to your guests, such as appetizers, salads, main courses, desserts, or drinks, to ensure a balanced menu. You can also decorate your space with Autumn-themed items like pumpkins, leaves, candles, or wreaths. For your recipe, choose something that showcases the seasonal produce and flavours of Autumn, such as squash, apples, cranberries, or pumpkin. You can also include a pie-bake off contest and have fun sampling the different flavours of Autumn! If the weather holds why not pack some sandwiches, snacks, and drinks and head to a scenic spot to enjoy the crisp air and colourful views. Gathering together those close to you can also be a great way to boost your mental health during what can be a stressful time of year.
Prepare for Halloween
The biggest date on the calendar in the Autumn months has to be Halloween! There’s nothing that gets children more excited than the thrill of Halloween night, so why not start preparing early to make sure everything is in place for the big day. Foster children may have to dress up for school, so help them decide on a show-stopping costume and get your materials ready. It’s more cost effective, not to mention fun, to home-make Halloween costumes – and this can involve the whole family. It also means your costume ideas can be as unique and crazy as your imagination (and sewing skills) allow! Preparing early is a good idea to manage your stress around Halloween too.
Pumpkin Carving
The iconic pumpkin – nothing says Autumn quite like it! Pumpkin carving is a great activity for the whole family to welcome Autumn. Get some pumpkins at the local store or make a day of it and head to a pumpkin patch around the country where you can pick out your own pumpkins. You’ll need some equipment to properly carve the pumpkins at home including a serrated knife, a spoon or scoop, a towel, a marker, and a stencil if desired. You can also add some fun extras like glow-in-the-dark stickers. Delight passerbys and showcase your spooky creations in the windows lit up with candles in the centre.
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.