As a houseparent, building rapport and fostering positive relationships with the children in your care is essential to creating a safe, healthy environment for everyone in the home. Positive relationships help to gain trust, promote emotional well-being, and encourage behavior that contributes to a peaceful home. Here are some tips for getting off on the right foot and maintaining rapport between houseparents and the children in their homes:

1. Be Authentic

Authenticity is key to any relationship, especially with children who come from challenging backgrounds. Be yourself and show genuine interest in their lives, interests, and goals. Listen actively, be present, and avoid judgment. Take the time to get to know each child as an individual and as much as possible, tailor your interactions to their unique needs and preferences.

2. Use Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement can be a powerful tool that helps children see themselves in a better light. Praise and acknowledge positive behaviors, such as being respectful or showing kindness to others. Use positive language, such as "thank you for helping with chores," instead of negative language, such as "stop being lazy." Celebrate accomplishments, no matter how small, and encourage each youth to take pride in their achievements.

3. Create Opportunities for Connection

Creating opportunities for connection is essential to building positive relationships with youth in care. Encourage group activities, such as games, outings, or hobbies, to foster a sense of community and belonging. Preparing meals together and even sharing clean-up duties around the house creates an environment where everyone is on the same team.

4. Be Consistent

Often, the children who live in group homes come from difficult backgrounds where consistency is not common. As a houseparent, you know that consistency is crucial to creating a stable home life. Create clear expectations for behavior and follow through with consequences when necessary.Be reliable and consistent in your interactions, and avoid making promises that you cannot keep. By being consistent, you can help create a sense of stability and safety that many of the children in your care have never known

5. Show Empathy

Empathy is essential for relating to others. Put yourself in their shoes and try to understand their feelings and perspectives. Validate their emotions and experiences, even if you don't agree with their behavior. By showing empathy, you can help children feel heard and understood, which can strengthen the relationship.

By fostering healthy relationships with the children in your care, you can help create a safe and supportive environment that promotes emotional well-being and positive behavior. Take the time to get to know each child as an individual, be present, and use these techniques to become a better houseparent.

(Image belongs to Milton Hershey School and is shared with permission).