We recently sat down with two incredible young people, to talk about life, laughter, and what it’s like growing up together in a fostering family. Their bond is full of warmth, wit, and the kind of sibling banter that only comes from years of shared memories.
One of them is 9, she is a birth child and full of personality. The other, a looked after child who’s 12, brings a calm confidence to their dynamic. The two have been part of the same fostering family for over three years, and their connection is as strong as ever.
When asked what it’s like living together, the eldest jokes, “She’s annoying,” while the youngest quickly adds, “It is fun though, it’s nice having a sister.” Their playful teasing is underpinned by genuine affection.
Shared interests
Both girls love reading—especially fantasy and mythology. From Percy Jackson to the Kane Chronicles, their bookshelves are filled with dragons, gods, and epic adventures. One even did the Summer Reading Challenge at the library, though the eldest laments she was too old to join.
Drama and dance are also big parts of their lives. They enjoy putting on plays and participating in school clubs. The youngest’s creativity shines through in her love for drawing and writing, while the eldest’s energy comes alive on the trampoline and she’s been teaching her sister how to do handsprings (with mixed results!). She’s also a budding mathematician and enjoys Army Cadets.
Shared memories
The girls spent the summer making memories together. They went camping, shopping in Birmingham and took a trip to Longleat Safari —where cheeky monkeys bent car antennas and a hippo named Humphrey stole the show.
They also shared stories of water obstacle courses, pool parties, and the chaos of trying to stay afloat with six floaties. “Please don’t tip me!” one of them remembers pleading during one particularly splashy moment.
Shared sisterhood
When asked what the best part of having each other is, they say, “Someone close enough to my own age that I can play with 24/7.” And, with a grin, “I like the time we get away from each other.” But it’s clear they wouldn’t trade their bond for anything.
Their story shows how children can build strong and resilient relationships in fostering families and just how powerful fostering can be, not just in providing a home, but in creating lasting relationships that shape childhoods and futures.
Thinking of fostering?
If you are thinking about fostering and are wondering if fostering could work for you, get in touch. We will talk you through the things to consider and explain the matching process. We can also put you in touch with foster carers who foster alongside their own children.
