Introducing Rowan and Ten Things Every Foster Child Wishes You Knew
Meet Rowan, the inspiring author and advocate behind the heartfelt book, Ten Things Every Foster Child Wishes You Knew. Rowan brings a unique perspective, having experienced the foster care system firsthand and transformed those experiences into an invaluable resource for foster carers, social workers, and anyone supporting children in care.
This book serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience, emotions, and insights of children navigating the foster care system. With compassion and clarity, Rowan offers a rare glimpse into the thoughts, needs, and wishes of children in care. The ten key messages presented in the book are not just reflections of Rowan’s own journey but a collective call for understanding, empathy, and better support for children in care.
Rowan’s writing combines personal storytelling, practical advice, and profound wisdom. Each chapter delves into an important theme that resonates deeply with foster children. Whether it is the need to grow with self-belief, the desire to connect, or the importance of being heard, Rowan articulates what foster children often struggle to express.
The book challenges carers and professionals to move beyond assumptions, inviting them to approach each child with open-mindedness and a willingness to listen. It also provides practical advice on how to create an environment where children in care can truly thrive – emotionally, mentally, and socially.
Why This Book Matters
Fostering can be both deeply rewarding and uniquely challenging. By reading Ten Things Every Foster Child Wishes You Knew, carers can better understand the silent struggles and unseen strengths of the children they support. Rowan’s insights encourage carers to view fostering not just as providing shelter but as building trust, creating stability, and nurturing potential.
This book is not just for carers; it is for anyone who plays a role in the life of a foster child. From teachers to caseworkers, Ten Things Every Foster Child Wishes You Knew is a guide to cultivating deeper empathy and making meaningful changes that positively impact children’s lives.
This book represents an opportunity to reflect on the vital role you play in fostering. Rowan’s heartfelt message underscores the importance of every action, word, and choice in shaping the future of a child in care.
With Ten Things Every Foster Child Wishes You Knew, you are not just gaining a book – you are stepping into the shoes of a foster child and embracing the tools to make a lasting difference.
Available now
Ten Things Every Foster Child Wishes You Knew
Introduction
Chapter 1 I Need Boundaries,But I Don’t Understand the Rules
Chapter 2 I Might Say I Am Okay, But I Am Not
Chapter 3 I Am Not Worthy
Chapter 4 Treat Me Just the Same
Chapter 5 Help Me Shape a Passion
Chapter 6 Show Up
Chapter 7 It’s Not About the Gifts
Chapter 8 I Need to Be Heard
Chapter 9 I Need to Feel Loved
Chapter 10 Thank You
Reviews
This is a wonderful book written from lived experience. It is well-written and an effortless and simple read.
Each chapter is broken down into manageable chunks of information. The content is useful and applicable and although some points feel like common sense it still serves as a reminder or validation that “we are doing it right”
I would recommend this to any foster parent as a book to pick up and just remind yourself of some of its elements every now and again.
— Andy Baker: Able Training
Finally got to read ‘10 things every foster child wishes you knew’ this weekend. It made me feel so emotional reading it and all of the suggestions are so simple but often go forgotten and can make such a difference. Shared it with my partner who grew up in the care system and he said ‘this is exactly it – this woman just gets it!’ Rowan Aderyn you are an incredible person and your husband and children sound pretty amazing too. You got me in the first few pages when you said about your children… ‘who have taught me that happy endings are ours to write’ and then thanked your husband for ‘dancing with you in the rain’. Your book will make such a difference to so many people – just thank you!
— Hayley Cameron
This a practical must-read for anyone considering becoming a foster carer.
A really accessible, easy-read, without ever feeling overwhelming with jargon or research.
It’s packed full of first- hand insights from a child’s (now care-experience adult’s) perspective.
The 10 things are so simple but so important. Rowan ends the book with a heartfelt thank you to all foster carers.
Thank you Rowan for sharing your lived experience.
— Amazon Customer
Rowan Aderyn 