A day in the household of foster carers Derek and Marie

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Hello! We are Derek and Marie Price. 
 
Our home is a revolving door of energy, laughter, and a whole lot of heart. We provide short-term, long-term, and short-break care, and we wouldn't have it any other way. 
 
Our "house team" currently features four amazing stars: an 11-year-old boy (who has been with us for four years), a 9-year-old girl (here for six years), and two brothers aged 4 and 5 (who joined our gang nearly a year ago). 
 
While our little ones have social and emotional needs, they fill our days with more joy than we can put into words. 
 
We've also got two furry assistants, our Cockapoos, Niamh and Bell, and even though our two birth children (aged 26 and 28) have flown the nest, the house is far from quiet. 

Our day starts

The day starts with Marie's signature song: "Wakey wakey, eggs and bakey!" 
 
After the morning rush of teeth-brushing and dressing, we all gather for a "choose your own adventure" breakfast. 

The school run and the great race

Derek handles the "school bus" (the car) for the little ones, while Marie escorts the older two. But it's not not just a walk; it's a high-stakes race on bikes and scooters. Marie plays official timekeeper to see if they can beat their personal best from the day before. 

The in-between hours

While the kids are at school and busy with Numberblocks, phonics, golf, forestry school, or football, Derek and I reclaim a bit of "us time". You'll find us at garden centres, out for a meal, or catching up on fostering training.

4pm means home base 

Once the uniforms are off, it's all about board games, the Nintendo Switch, and relaxing. We plan our weekly menu every Sunday, which means everyone gets to pick their favourite meal for dinner one night.

Bedtime routines for everyone

• 6.30pm The 4 and 5-year-olds head up for baths and SpongeBob stories on the Toniebox. 
• 8.00pm  Our 9-year-old winds down with Matilda or an iPad. 
• 9.00pm Our 11-year-old, who is the resident filmmaker and wrestling fan, settles in with toys and a book. 

Things the children said to us today...
After a fresh trim yesterday, our 4-year-old rushed to the mirror this morning with a very serious question: "Is my haircut still there?" (spoiler alert: It was.) 
 
Bedtime was a struggle for our 5-year-old, not because they weren't tired, but because their heart was racing. "I can't sleep because I'm too excited to see what we're doing tomorrow!" 

How fostering has changed our lives

Becoming foster carers didn't just add more seats to our table; it added more joy to our schedule. 
We haven't missed a single school play, football match, or assembly. We're there for every milestone and it's such a privilege.
 
We have the best job in the world, we're watching the development of our own children alongside the long-term children in our care. Our hearts, and our calendar, have never been fuller.  

Since becoming foster carers...

Every day is a new page in our playbook. Whether we're diving into a pile of craft supplies to build our own board games or getting floury in the kitchen, we're making more than just snack, we're making memories. 

Marie and Derek's top tips for potential foster carers 
 
Being a carer is about seeing the "firsts", the first time a child feels safe, the first time they succeed at a hobby, and the excitement that radiates from them. 

• Be a chameleon - be patient, be flexible, and learn to adapt to any situation. 
• The anchor - establish solid routines and clear boundaries. 
• Refuel your tank - can't pour from an empty cup and self-care is essential.
• Phone a friend - never be afraid to ask for support when you need it. 

                                                      Read a life in the day of long-term foster carers Lesley and Stephen