Growing up in a fostering family, Megan has welcomed many foster siblings into her life. From shared interests to heartfelt moments, she shows how children of foster carers play a vital role in making children in foster care feel at home.
What’s it like having foster siblings come into your home?
“It’s actually really lovely. You get to meet so many different young people, each with their own story and personality. Even though I have social anxiety, I enjoy getting to know them and finding ways to connect. Everyone has different interests—some love drama and performing, which I’m into, so we can chat about that. Others are into things like Formula One, which my brother loves, so they bond over that. It’s really nice seeing how each child brings something new and how we all find ways to relate to them.”
Can you describe a special moment or memory with a foster sibling?
“Yes, one that really stuck with me was when I went into one of their schools to give a talk about juvenile idiopathic arthritis—because one of their classmates had it and I have it. I was chatting to his teacher and suddenly I heard him shouting my name down the corridor. He was so excited to see me. Then another student asked if I was part of his foster family, and he said, “Yeah, that’s my foster sister.” That was the first time I’d ever been called that, and it was just really sweet. It meant a lot.”
How has fostering changed your family for the better?
“We’ve always been really close as a family, but fostering has added something. It’s lovely seeing how my siblings interact with the children—we’ve had moments where we’re all playing games, having dinner together, or just laughing as a family. I remember visiting my brother when he lived in Wales, and the boys we were fostering at the time were hanging off his arms and having a great time. My sister doesn’t live far, so she’s around a lot too. It’s just nice seeing everyone together.”
How do you help new foster children feel welcome in your home?
“I try to chat with them and find out what they’re into. Some love football—which I know nothing about!—but others are into things like Lego, reading, or performing, which I can relate to. It’s really nice when they realise someone else shares their interests—they light up and start talking loads. Sometimes they’ll show me their Lego sets or tell me what they’re saving up for. It’s those conversations that help them settle in.”
What have you learned from the foster children who’ve lived with you?
“It’s been really eye-opening. You know that some kids have had tough starts in life, but living with them makes you realise just how different everyone’s experiences can be. I’ve learned a lot about how to support different behaviours and understand what might trigger someone. It’s taught me to be more patient and open-minded.”
About Megan
Megan is a university student in Liverpool studying music production. A keen poet, she published her first poetry book in July and is currently working on a second collection. Megan began writing poetry at college, using it as a personal journal to explore her emotions and daily experiences.
Her creative journey is intertwined with her life in a fostering family, where she’s grown alongside the many children who’ve come into her home. You can get Megan’s book – Pieces of Me – on Amazon. Please note the content is not appropriate for anyone under 16 years old.
