Celebrating Lunar New Year 🏮 Simple Ways to Support Children in Foster Care
新年快乐 / 恭喜发财
This weekend, communities across the UK will be celebrating Lunar New Year, a time associated with renewal, family, and looking ahead to the year to come. At Rainbow, we know that recognising cultural moments like this can play an important role in helping children feel seen, valued, and supported in their identity.
THE YEAR OF THE HORSE
At Rainbow, we support children and carers across the UK, and we are proud to work with families from a wide range of cultural backgrounds.
We know that recognising and respecting a child’s culture and heritage plays an important role in their wellbeing and sense of belonging, particularly for children in foster care, who may already be navigating change and uncertainty.
Did you know?
For children in foster care, cultural celebrations can bring up different feelings, excitement, pride, curiosity, or sometimes uncertainty. You don’t need to be an expert to offer support. Small, thoughtful actions can make a big difference.
At Rainbow, supporting a child’s cultural identity is part of helping them feel safe, valued, and that they truly belong. Small moments of recognition can have a lasting impact.
Here are a few simple ways carers can help:
Acknowledge the occasion – letting a child know you’re aware it’s Lunar New Year shows respect and openness.
Let the child lead – some children may want to talk about it, others may not. Follow their cues.
Learn one small thing together – even learning a simple greeting like “Xin Nian Kuai Le” (Happy New Year) can be a shared, positive moment…and educational!
Use familiar themes – Lunar New Year often focuses on renewal and hope, which can link nicely to conversations about routines, goals, or things a child is looking forward to.
Respect choice – it’s okay if a child isn’t interested. What matters is knowing their culture is valued.
Fun Fact: Chinese Communities believe that the lanterns usher in life, prosperity and new beginnings. Plus, These lanterns can be made from just about any kind of paper you have around the house.
Time Needed: 5-10 mins
Click here to make a lantern.
Simple, low-pressure activities carers can try
If a child is interested, carers might consider:
Creative activities such as drawing, colouring, or making simple paper decorations (DIY lanterns, paper wallet & more!)
Cooking — learn a traditional Chinese recipe like dumplings!
Reflection moments — chatting about hopes, goals, or things a child is looking forward to this year. You can even journal together!
Story time — reading age-appropriate books about culture, family, or new beginnings
