Love notes written by former foster children
When we asked Love Agent, Lynn Pollizzi to write love notes for foster children, she enlisted the beautiful voice of her niece and former foster child, Amber Ryan. We hope these heartfelt love notes speak to a foster child's heart and ensure them that they are loved. You can write these love notes or tailor them to a child you know.
Dear Child, (Ages 2 through 5)
I know you are scared. I know that you are sad. It is okay to feel that way. Your parent(s) love you so much. I know you feel upset that you are not with them. They need to get better and it will take time. This is not your fault. You are so special. You are so loveable. I am sending you a great big giant hug to keep you safe when you are feeling scared! You are loved!
Love,
Dear Child, (Ages 2 through 5)
You are so special. You are so brave. I know you are sad. It is okay to cry. I know you miss your family. I know they miss you too. This is not your fault. You are so strong. When you go to sleep, know you are safe in God’s care and in God’s love. Sending you a great big hug and lots of love!
Love,
Dear Child, (Ages 5 through 10)
I know you are scared. I know you feel confused and possibly angry. This isn’t fair at all. But remember that this isn’t your fault. You are so lovable and so important to this world. Never forget that. I am sending you a big warm hug. Remember, to look in the mirror every day and tell yourself how incredible you are. How strong you are. How loveable you are. You are truly amazing!
Love,
Dear Child, (Ages 5 through 10)
Please know that you are so special. Never feel shame over this circumstance. This is not your fault. You do not need to feel embarrassed about being in foster care. There are many other kids facing the same challenges as you. You are not alone. You are always surrounded by God’s love. Look in that mirror and stand up like a superhero! Chest up, chin up and feel your power! You are such a gift to this world!
Love,
Dear Child, (Ages 7 and over)
You are so brave. Please know that your parent(s) mistakes do not define who you are. This is such a painful process but I promise, you will come out of this even stronger. You are in foster care not because of being unlovable, but because your parent(s) are struggling and they need help. You are deeply loveable. You are such a special person. God bless you and keep you safe always.
Love,
Dear Child, (Ages 7 and over)
You are such an incredible person! Please know that this is not in your fault and you do not need to feel like you have to fix this. Just focus on being the best version of yourself. Please know that this is temporary even though it feels like forever. One day you will look back on this and see how incredible you were and how strong you were and still are. You will inspire others too with your story of strength! Keep the faith especially in yourself and know you are so loveable and so amazing! Never give up hope because tomorrow will be a better day!
Love,
Dear Child, (Ages 7 and over)
You are such a shining light. You are so strong and so amazing. I know you are hurting right now and you feel alone and sad. But I promise, this will get better. Just focus on enjoying your foster family and make this the best possible experience for everyone in your home. Focus on your friends to love and support you. Remember, that is not your fault and you did note create this. You are such a beautiful person who is so strong. But remember, it is okay to cry. It is okay to have feelings about this difficult situation. You do not have to hold those feelings inside. Make sure you share your feelings with people who can help you sort them out. You are deeply loved! Do not forget that!
Love,
Dear Child, (Ages 10 and over)
I know what happened to you is unfortunate and painful. This should never have happened. This is not a punishment for something you did wrong. This is a temporary solution to a difficult problem that your parent(s) or caretaker(s) are having. This is not a reflection on your behavior or your worth. You are so incredibly strong. Do not let this experience define you. Let this experience help make you even stronger and more compassionate. Let this experience shape you into someone who will never allow this to be a part of your adult life. You are so amazing. Look in the mirror and tell yourself how loveable you are and how much you deserve to be loved. I am sending you a gentle, loving hug!
Love,
Dear Child, (Ages 10 and over)
I know you are scared and miss your family. I know this is such a big change for you. This isn’t a punishment. Make sure you use the resources around you especially in school. Do not be afraid to show your feelings and do not bottle them up. It is okay to cry. It is okay to be angry. Just do not be angry at yourself because this is not your fault. Remember, there will be people along the way that will guide you and make you feel safe. You are such a strong person and remember your worth. This experience does not define you or determine your worth. Keep your chin up and know how truly amazing you are! I am sending you lots of hug sand lots of love!
Love,
Dear Child, (Ages 10 and over)
This probably feels like the hardest time in your life. I know that not a day goes by where you do not wish you were back with your family in your home where things feel familiar. It is very scary being in a new environment with people you do not know. It will take time to feel safe and comfortable. You do not have to rush that. Just take the time you need to allow yourself to adjust. It is okay to have all of the feelings you are having. Do not bottle them up. Try to share them with a safe adult who can help you sort them out. Always, remember this is not your fault. There is nothing you did to create this situation. You are so loveable and you have so much worth! Never forget how special you are! I am sending you a gentle hug!
Love,
