When children grow up and leave home, many parents describe it as bittersweet. The house feels quieter, the washing basket a little emptier, and there’s suddenly more time on your hands. It’s a new chapter – one that can bring freedom, but also a sense of “what now?”
For some families in Flintshire, that question has led them to fostering. With the experience of raising their own children, and the space in both their homes and their hearts, many empty nesters have found fostering to be a natural next step.
a new purpose
For the past seven years, Cheryl and Andy have been fostering with their local authority in Flintshire. In that time, they have opened their home to 28 children and even supported a parent and child. Four years ago, they also stepped into the special role of Mockingbird Hub carers, offering guidance and support to other foster families in their community.
Their fostering journey began after their own children had grown up, but they quickly found that this new chapter could be filled with purpose, love and connection.
Cheryl and Andy told us…
“When our children grew up and left home, we knew we still had so much love and time to give. Parenting didn’t feel finished for us. We love children, and over the years we’ve learned so much about boundaries, patience and the importance of listening. We wanted to give children who have experienced difficulties the chance to thrive, feel happy and safe, just as our own children had. Every child who comes into our lives is welcomed as part of our family, with a real sense of belonging.”
Fostering doesn’t replace being a parent to your own children, but it can bring back the warmth and rhythm of family life. Whether it’s helping with homework, cooking tea together, or hearing laughter around the dinner table, many carers describe fostering as a way of bringing life back into their homes.
experience that matters
Parents whose children have flown the nest often have so much valuable experience to offer. They’ve lived through school runs, teenage years and sleepless nights. They know the ups and downs of family life – and that knowledge can make all the difference to a looked after child.
Fostering can also bring the joy of experiencing those special firsts all over again. The first smile, the first steps, the first day at school – moments that may feel like distant memories can become part of life once more, this time shared with a looked after child who needs love and stability.
Cheryl and Andy said…
“The joy of seeing their happy, smiling faces and hearing their laughter while they play is incredible. Once children begin to trust you and feel safe enough to be themselves, it makes everything worthwhile.”
space to give back
Becoming a foster carer after your children have grown up can be a way of giving back to the community and sharing the home you’ve built. It doesn’t matter if you’re single, married, working or retired – what matters most is your willingness to be there for a child.
could fostering be your next chapter?
If your house feels a little too quiet and you’ve been wondering how to use your time and experience, fostering could be the answer. For many in Flintshire, this stage of life hasn’t been an ending at all. Instead, it’s become the beginning of something new – filled with laughter, learning and love.
If you live in Flintshire, contact Foster Wales Flintshire and a member of our dedicated team will be in touch for a friendly, no obligation conversation to help you decide if fostering is right for you.
If you live anywhere else in Wales, visit Foster Wales for more information and to find your local authority fostering team.
