Fostering as the main carer – a male perspective

I was self-employed as a handyman/builder before becoming a foster carer. Work was very hit and miss and I was not enjoying my work life at all. I think there are probably lots of men out there in a similar position and it would be great if my story can inspire someone to pick up the phone to find out if they can also help children in foster care.

It seems unusual for a man to be the main carer and I think that’s probably because the option of being a foster carer probably hasn’t even occurred to lots of men. I’ve never looked back after giving up my previous work to become a foster carer and there’s nothing like seeing the difference you’re making to a child’s life.

I used to get job satisfaction from plastering a wall well, I now get job satisfaction from making a child happy! 

Being a foster carer is a career which I think is something else not everyone realises, and it has been such a great change for me. There’s so much ongoing training and you are constantly growing in knowledge and learning about how best to help the children in your care.

All of the children that come into foster care are so different and have individual needs which is why it’s so important that there is a diversity of foster carers. We currently have a teen boy who doesn’t show emotions or talk much. He’s never ever lived in a household with a man before. Kids may need male role models too. We have bonded with some banter playing FIFA together and I feel things like this are so important for him.

If there are any men reading this, currently in a self-employed role and unhappy in their career like I was and would like a rewarding job helping children, I would highly recommend looking into becoming a foster carer.

If this sounds like you, don't hesitate to get in touch for an informal chat about whether providing a safe and caring home for a foster child is something you could do.