Braving the Storm! – the funny side of fostering
Belinda Wells, Ollie Coach and foster mum shares some of the precious moments of bonding through laugher that make all the difference to the children in her care.
caroline chipper
Braving the Storm!
One year all the children in my care had been attending a theatre summer workshop. When I arrived to collect them, they were all chatty, telling me everything that they’d been doing.
As we left the building the rain was torrential. As I was ushering out the 4 children, I put up my large umbrella and beckoned the children to gather them all under shelter. Only 3 of them joined me as we began walking slowly but sensibly huddled together. I beckoned to the 4th child to come and join us – there was room! However, the 4th child who was the eldest and a teenager was determined to show how ‘sensible’ and independent she was, as she sped past us saying, “No I’m OK.! I’m going to leg it to the car,” and she ran at break-neck speed …… only to realise upon arriving at the car, some way in the distance, that the car door (as always) was locked!
As we were keeping relatively dry huddled together under the umbrella, she was getting more and more drenched. She tried the car door again and then she turned around, head ducked eyes screwed up and half closed trying to shelter from the deluge. Stooping and still, she froze as the car alarm went off.
She then looked back sheepishly at us and delivered a resigned look that, had it been voiced would have said, “Oh sh….. I didn’t think that one through!”
She had a really good laugh about it once we were in the car and with the heater turned on! We all chatted about what she had learned, she was a really good sport, laughing at herself. This was a really good lesson for the other children, being able to see that it is ok to laugh at yourself and your mistakes!
Belinda Wells, Ollie Coach
Belinda is an Ollie Coach and Foster Carer. Previously a Primary School Teacher, she now has over 20 years’ experience working with children. Her interests are psychology, how we think and why we behave as we do, and she loves learning and writing. Belinda enjoys seeing the difference her work as an Ollie Coach can make to the children and families she works with.
To get in contact with Belinda email Belinda.wells@ollieandhissuperpowers.com
To find out more about Ollie and his Super Powers and how to become an Ollie Coach go to https://www.ollieandhissuperpowers.com/pages/about-us
Caroline Chipper
Director
Co founder of Subconquest Ltd, that trades as Ollie and his Super Powers. My many years of commercial experience is being put to good use managing the business side of Ollie, including working with our Ollie Coaches, and managing our contracts. In everything we do its about making a difference to those we work with. To find out more go to https://www.ollieandhissuperpowers.com/pages/about-us
