We explore the critical importance of healing for foster and adoptive parents, emphasizing how past experiences shape our parenting. Understanding ourselves allows us to nurture our children effectively while providing the love they need. • Exploring the concept of healing and being a steady presence • The impact of past traumas on parenting styles • The significance of understanding how childhood shapes our view of God • Strategies for prioritizing health and emotional well-being • Insights on creating a nurturing environment for children with trauma • Encouragement for listeners to start their healing journey If you found this episode helpful at all, I'd love for you to leave a review. It helps so much for this podcast to be found by other foster and adoptive parents. Wellness IG Account: https://www.instagram.com/fosterwellnesscoach/ 6 Week Challenge: https://stan.store/nicoletbarlow/p/6-week-coaching-group I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text! Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell @nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/ Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/…

We explore the complexities of foster care and adoption and the emotional toll trauma takes on families, emphasizing the importance of candid conversations about these challenges. Anna Bernacki shares her personal journey through adoption and how faith has guided her family. • The importance of discussing difficult topics within foster care • Differences between crisis hospitalization and residential treatment • Navigating shame and guilt in parenting from hard places • The role of faith in coping with challenges • How to support other family members when one child is absent • Encouragement for parents feeling overwhelmed or isolated If you know somebody that is facing similar challenges, would you send them this episode? I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text! Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell @nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/ Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/…

The latest episode explores the multifaceted challenges of foster care and adoption, inviting listeners to engage with the often unspoken truths of this journey. By addressing hard topics with compassion, the episode emphasizes the importance of validating the experiences of caregivers and children alike while encouraging open conversations. • Validating the difficulty of foster care without diminishing its beauty • Acknowledging the impact of trauma on children in care • Recognizing the complexities of bonding with foster children • Balancing the goals of reunification with concerns for child safety • Navigating conflicting feelings during goodbyes • Identifying the difference between primary and secondary trauma in caregivers Share this episode with a friend who needs to hear it, and if you haven't yet, leave a review so we can keep having these important conversations. I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text! Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell @nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/ Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/…

This episode explores the spiritual warfare that foster parents face as they navigate their unique challenges. By emphasizing the importance of guarding our minds, nurturing relationships, prioritizing self-care, and cultivating gratitude, we equip ourselves to combat discouragement and support each other through this journey. • Understanding spiritual warfare in the context of foster care • The significance of filling our minds with God's truth • Importance of nurturing marital and community relationships • Necessity of self-care for spiritual and emotional resilience • Strategies for guarding our hearts against negativity and despair Couple's Wellness Challenge: https://stan.store/nicoletbarlow/p/couples-challenge Sign up for my newsletter! https://nicoletbarlow.myflodesk.com/fosterparentwellnewsletter I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text! Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell @nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/ Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/…

Overwhelming exhaustion is a challenge that many foster and adoptive parents experience, often without acknowledgment. This episode discusses burnout's signs, neurological impact, and practical steps toward healing and renewal. • Exploring the definition of burnout what it looks like in parents • Recognizing signs indicating a move in that direction • Addressing emotional detachment and the inclination to check out • Discussing diminished desire to connect with children • Identifying physical symptoms of burnout and health concerns • Offering practical steps to combat burnout If this episode resonated with you, would you share it with a friend? I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text! Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell @nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/ Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/…

The episode dives deep into the challenges foster parents face, emphasizing the necessity of grace for both parents and children. It explores the importance of self-care amidst stress and the transformative power of faith through the story of the Prodigal Son. • Sharing personal struggles with stress and parenting • The vital need for self-care among caregivers • Insights from the Prodigal Son story and its relevance • Encouragement to embrace God’s unconditional love • Strategies for managing stress and health as a parent • Invitation for community support and prayer interactions Verses to read over: Psalm 107:8-9 Romans 5:8 1 John 4:16 Psalm 86:15 1 John 3:1 1 Chronicles 16:34 Zephaniah 3:17 1 John 4:19 6 Week Coaching Program: https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=nicolebarlow I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text! Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell @nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/ Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/…

Jonna Stein's "Untangling Hope" beautifully captures the intricate emotions of a foster child navigating trauma and the longing for belonging. In our discussion, we explore themes of empathy, understanding trauma, and the importance of fostering conversations about these experiences among parents, children, and their communities. • Exploring the journey of a foster child in "Untangling Hope" • Understanding the difference between fitting in and belonging • Importance of compassion in caregiving • Insights into a child's perspective on trauma and resilience • Facilitation of dialogue about foster care in families and communities • Call for empathy and education about experiences of children in care Links: Johnnastein.com Promise686.org Order the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Untangling-Hope-Johnna-Stein/dp/B0CY2B1TRB I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text! Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell @nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/ Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/…

Chef Kibby shares how he uses food and hunger as a language of connection, drawing from 25 years of culinary expertise and 16 years as a foster and adoptive dad. Discover his unique perspective on how the simple act of cooking can bridge gaps and build lasting relationships. With personal anecdotes and biblical insights, we explore how food has been historically used as a relational tool and how you can implement these practices in your own home. The conversation uncovers the hidden emotional needs that surface at the dinner table, where food becomes more than just nourishment. We address the emotional and physiological hunger that children from challenging backgrounds experience and how parents can recognize and fulfill these needs. By focusing on inclusion rather than perfection, we can transform everyday kitchen interactions into powerful bonding moments that go beyond just eating. Empowering children by giving them a voice in everyday decisions, like choosing pizza toppings, can significantly enhance their sense of agency and emotional well-being. We discuss practical ways parents can create environments where children feel heard and valued. As we close, we invite you to explore additional resources, including our Hunger for Connection podcast, and offer a heartfelt prayer for guidance and peace in fostering meaningful connections through the universal language of food. Find Chef Kibby: Main website - https://chefkibby.com Hunger for Connection Podcast - Spotify Apple iHeart Amazon Music YouTube Listen to my song Fostering Joy on Spotify Mentioned in the show: TBRI: https://child.tcu.edu/about-us/tbri/#sthash.9fvSeXaK.dpbs Get my FREE 2025 Priorities Guide: https://stan.store/nicoletbarlow/p/get-the-priority-reset-guide-now January 27th Wellness Coaching Group: https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=nicolebarlow I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text! Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell @nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/ Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/…

Every holiday season as a foster or adoptive parent is a rollercoaster of joy and chaos. I've been there, feeling the duality of laughter and meltdowns, and I'm here to share how embracing these mixed emotions can actually enrich our lives and families. In this episode, I reflect on the past year, celebrating the laughter, acknowledging the meltdowns, and setting intentions for a more balanced 2025. Let's talk about the power of saying yes to ourselves so we can better say yes to our children, teaching them the value of self-care by living it out ourselves. Together, we'll explore practical ways to incorporate movement and strength training into hectic lives, and the importance of nutrition in maintaining energy and preventing burnout. From the simplicity of a daily walk to the impact of choosing whole foods, every small decision counts. As we step into the new year, we'll also focus on spiritual growth, setting priorities that align with wisdom and nurture our families with love and grace. Join me in a prayer of strength and guidance, and let’s enter 2025 with renewed faith, purpose, and a commitment to self-care that supports our parenting journeys. 2025 Priority Reset Guide: https://stan.store/nicoletbarlow/p/get-the-priority-reset-guide-now 6 Week Coaching Group: https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=nicolebarlow Register for Priorities Webinar on January 21st! https://stan.store/nicoletbarlow/p/join-me-to-set-our-priorities--goals-for-2025 I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text! Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell @nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/ Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/…

Could gratitude truly be the key to transforming the chaos of foster and adoptive parenting into moments of peace and resilience? Join me, Nicole T Barlow, as we challenge the conventional approach to parenting stress by embracing gratitude as a divine stress reliever. This episode explores how consciously choosing gratitude, even in the toughest seasons, can not only rewire our brains but also strengthen our spiritual resilience. Through personal stories and reflections, we journey through the sacred, albeit challenging, path of foster and adoptive parenting, where every obstacle is an opportunity for growth, and every moment of connection with our children is a gift. As we navigate the blessings and lessons inherent in the foster care and adoption journey, we find ourselves celebrating grace, patience, and unconditional love. These transformative experiences teach us to focus on the beauty within brokenness, acknowledging God's faithfulness and the small victories that enrich our lives. Together, we'll explore how gratitude shifts our perspectives, deepens our faith, and forges a stronger bond with our community and children. Let's commit to cultivating a spirit of gratitude daily, recognizing the unique privilege of guiding our children as they grow into the individuals they're meant to be. Happy Thanksgiving!!! Black Friday Sale: https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=nicolebarlow Discount Code: Save50 I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text! Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell @nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/ Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/…

Rebecca Radicchi joins us from Georgia Kids Belong to share her incredible journey and the transformative power of community in supporting foster care and adoption. As an adoptive mom and passionate advocate, Rebecca offers an inside look at Georgia Kids Belong, a chapter of America's Kids Belong, and their innovative I Belong project. This initiative crafts advocacy videos for children in foster care, particularly for those whose parental rights have been terminated. These heartwarming video creation days not only amplify the children's voices, focusing on teenagers, sibling sets, and children with special needs, but also aim to leave a lasting positive impact on their lives. Foster families dedicate themselves to providing a safe and nurturing environment for vulnerable children, yet many face overwhelming pressures, leading them to quit within a year. We explore the importance of community support and how initiatives like the "Foster Friendly" program are stepping in to alleviate these challenges. By encouraging businesses to offer discounts and special offers, and utilizing the Foster Friendly app, foster parents gain access to crucial support, allowing them to thrive in their essential roles. From coffee shops to car repair services, these partnerships pave the way for a more supportive network, offering foster families respite and practical help. As we delve into the expansion of foster-friendly communities across the nation, the conversation highlights the vital role of businesses, faith communities, and city governments in this mission. By fostering a sense of pride and unity, and bridging gaps between different organizations, we aim to create a sustainable and impactful environment for foster care. We emphasize the significance of the Foster Friendly app as a key resource for connecting foster families with mentors, tutors, and local support networks, while celebrating the efforts of businesses that have become community hubs. Georgia Kids Belong links from episode: Instagram Facebook Linked In Georgia Kids Belong I Belong Project: Kids Waiting in Georgia for Adoption Foster Friendly Georgia I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text! Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell @nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/ Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/…

Lying is more than just a fib; it’s a complex dance of cognitive development and survival instincts, especially in children who have faced trauma. Join me, Nicole T Barlow, on Foster Parent Well as we unravel the nuanced reality of lying in children who have experienced trauma. This episode is a heartfelt exploration into how lying can be a natural developmental milestone rooted in cognitive growth, involving skills like theory of mind and executive function. But when trauma enters the picture, it can twist these behaviors into survival mechanisms, creating a challenge for both children and their caregivers. With stories from a supportive network in Tampa, we'll uncover how community support plays a vital role in navigating these complexities. As we guide our children through this intricate journey, it’s crucial to understand how lying affects not just them, but also us as parents. Discover effective strategies for managing this behavior, such as avoiding traps that provoke dishonesty and encouraging honest redo's. Our reactions, often ignited by the brain's protective drive, can sometimes do more harm than good. This episode offers insights into responding with grace and resilience, backed by neuroscience. Finally, reflect on the transformative power of parenting with love, grace, and unconditional support, ensuring our children feel truly safe, valued, and cherished. Join me for a thought-provoking session inspired by faith and the profound strength we draw from God. I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text! Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell @nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/ Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/…

Imagine embarking on a journey that challenges every preconceived notion you had about family and faith. That's exactly the path Bruce and I found ourselves on, navigating the landscape of foster care and adoption. In this episode, we share our story of overcoming initial fears and uncertainties, and how our unique personalities helped us find a harmonious balance. Marriage plays a pivotal role in this demanding journey, and we emphasize its importance in the fostering and adoption process. Bruce and I reflect on how serving each other and maintaining open communication has strengthened our relationship in the face of adversity. Through prayer and mutual support, we’ve learned when to speak, when to listen, and how to uphold each other as we walk this path together. Join us for an open and faith-filled discussion, as we aim to offer insight and encouragement to those walking a similar path. I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text! Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell @nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/ Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/…

What if the key to thriving as a foster or adoptive parent lies in how you care for yourself? Join me, Nicole T Barlow, as we shift the focus to self-care and wellness, an often overlooked yet crucial component of trauma-informed parenting. In our latest episode of Foster Parent Well, we explore how nurturing your body and spirit can empower you to better navigate the unique challenges of parenting. Learn about the nourishing benefits of a gentle 12-12 intermittent fasting schedule, and why regular meals throughout the day can fortify your nervous system against the chaos of survival mode. Discover how simple activities like walking can transform both your stress levels and your spiritual wellbeing, offering a moment of tranquility and reflection amidst the hustle of daily life. But wellness isn't just about the physical—it's about becoming the parent you were called to be. Together, we can illuminate the dark corners of our communities with hope and love, standing ready for the work we are destined to do. If you're ready to embrace a journey of holistic growth, visit NicoleTBarlow.com or connect with me on Instagram for more inspiration and support. 6 Week Coaching Group: https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=nicolebarlow FREE Anti-Diet Guide: https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/guides/free-anti-diet-guide#nicolebarlow I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text! Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell @nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/ Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/…

What happens when welcoming a new child into your home brings both immeasurable joy and profound heartbreak? Journey with me, Nicole T Barlow, as I recount my personal experience with the unpredictable waves of fostering and adoption. I open up about the bittersweet reality of forming new bonds and routines, only to face the heart-wrenching process of reunification. This episode uncovers the unique struggle of ambiguous loss—a type of grief that offers no closure or societal recognition, leaving many foster parents feeling isolated and misunderstood. Together, we explore how leaning into faith and the grace of God can be a beacon of hope during such trying transitions, reminding us of the strength found in community support. Throughout the conversation, I highlight the often-overlooked emotional complexities that foster parents endure, drawing parallels with biblical figures like Job who faced immense loss and suffering. By sharing candid stories and reflections, this episode aims to foster empathy and understanding not just for the children who endure these separations, but also for the parents who care for them. It's a call to embrace the messy and unresolved nature of these losses, without reservation, to transform our grief into compassion and deeper faith. My heartfelt prayer is for each listener to find solace and strength within our community, preparing us all for the important work ahead. I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text! Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell @nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/ Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/…