Connecting children to culture

Culture is a critical part of identity and is forged early and throughout life through our family and community.

That’s why, often when a child enters care, they can feel they’ve lost a part of themselves.

But there are many ways you can help nurture their sense of self and belonging.

Culture means different things for different people, so try to understand:

  • what is important to them?
  • how they view themselves?
  • how their family does things?
  • what kinds of foods they like/don’t like or
  • what traditions their family have?

Give them a chance to make simple decisions, such as:

  • what clothes they like to wear?
  • how do they like their sandwiches cut?
  • do they have a bedtime routine?
  • what do they like doing after school?
  • what kind of books they like to read?

You could also share something personal to give them insight into your culture.

Here are a few great examples of how to kick-start conversations:

  1. “What made you choose the pink shirt today?"
  2. Be interested in children. For example, “tell me more about that? Explore children’s feelings when they are ready “I notice how you like to eat pasta and I prefer rice? Different, but still yummy!”

Build a positive relationship with the child’s family as they can give great insights into likes, routines and family traditions. Get involved in learning more about the child’s culture, family and community, and share with them in an age appropriate way

If you can’t connect with the child’s family, ask the care team to find out for you. Be sure to check out our Carer Guide for more information:

Carer Learning Pathways

At Life Without Barriers, family-based care is all about providing a safe and supportive home for children who are not able to live with their families. Carers are an essential part of our team. We are dedicated to supporting our carer community, committed to providing quality care and delivering positive outcomes for children and young people.

As a carer you can acquire and strengthen your knowledge through ongoing learning and development to provide care in the best interests of children, inclusive of their families and friends.

All children need to develop a strong sense of identity – to know who they are in themselves and in the world. Important themes that can help young people build this sense of self include a connection to family, and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, a connection to culture

Carer Learning Pathways for carers - Connecting to Culture, Family and Friends Access myLearning

Want to become a carer?
To become a foster carer your ability to care and nurture a child is what really matters.
To learn more, visit the LWB foster care website