A day in the life of foster carers Kay and Bryn

Kay and Bryn are foster carers for babies and young children. Kay is the owner of a day nursery. They are have four grown up children, with their youngest son Charlie, 20 still living at home. Kay has worked in early years for the past 20 years, while Bryn works in manufacturing. It was Kay's role at the nursery that first brought the couple into fostering, after she came across siblings at risk of being separated in care. She decided to explore becoming a foster carer and says they have never looked back. 

"I absolutely love being a foster carer," she tells us. "I can't imagine not being part of fostering in some form. Being a carer for children age 0-5, I'm able to use my skills and knowledge from working in early years." 

Talk to us about fostering

Here's what a day in the life of a foster carer for two babies looks like.                                                 

Mornings are for play time 

We currently care for two babies age 14 months and 5 months. Our days are full, with two babies there's never a dull moment. We get up around 5.30-6 to start the day with breakfast and bottles. Once we're washed and dressed and ready for the day, we do like to get out and about. We love a visit to a play group or play cafe. If we don't get to a group, we have a morning of play. 

Naps and family tome 

Midday means lunch and usually nap time, too. Some afternoons one of the children will attend family time, so I like to make the most of the one-to-one time with the other little one.

We love to walk along the beach, go to the park or do some other fun activity. Once we are home, we wait for Bryn coming in from work. Then play time begins again with him, whilst I do tea and prepare the bath. 

Stories and snuggles 

Bath and bedtimes are our quiet time for stories and snuggles. It's the best time of the day after a day of fun with them. Come 9pm, me and Bryn love to finish up by sitting with a cup of tea, chatting about our day. 

Some things we've got coming up 

I recently became the Mockingbird hub carer, a role I feel I am made for. I love supporting our local foster carers in their journeys. I've been enjoying getting to know the other children and support them along the way and I'm planning things for our group. 

I'm surrounded by other amazing foster carers which helps me in my journey. 

Since becoming a foster carer 

I've found that life is full and we've made lots of memories and established traditions too. We love to take our foster children to Center Parcs at Christmas, its magical and something we will always do now. By far, moving a child on is the hardest part for me and not something I feel will ever get easier, but would that stop me fostering absolutely not. 

The children bring such fun to my life. Seeing them become settled, thrive and feel safe is enough of a reward to continue. I don't look back; fostering is one of the best moves of my life. Is it always easy? No, but is it worth it? Absolutely. 

                                                      Read a life in the day of Ann, a single parent foster carer to siblings