Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share Adoptive Mom Life | Open Adoption, Adoptive Parenting, Birth Family, Christian Community, Biblical Encouragement
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
Adoptive Mom Life | Open Adoption, Adoptive Parenting, Birth Family, Christian Community, Biblical Encouragement
By Carly | Adoptive Parent, Adoption Support, Encourager, Work from Home MomEducationSelf-ImprovementParentingKids & Family
Adoptive Mom Life | Open Adoption, Adoptive Parenting, Birth Family, Christian Community, Biblical Encouragement episodes
- 63 | How Family Traditions Can Build Stronger Bonds This Holiday Season
Holiday traditions — what memories do they spark for you? Was it your grandmother’s famous pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving, Christmas caroling with your family, matching jammies on Christmas Eve, driving around to see lights, or the candlelight service at church?
Traditions and rituals are an important part of every family’s unique bond. As adoptive families, they are equally — if not even more — important for creating a sense of belonging.
In today’s episode, I’m sharing some of my favorite holiday traditions from my own family and the ones we’ve carried forward with our children.
I also invite you to reflect: what are your favorite traditions, and how have you incorporated them into your children’s lives to keep them alive?
Snag your FREE devotional for our advent series beginning December 3rd!
Book a Coaching Call -> HERE
Contact - > [email protected]
Podcast -＞ bit.ly/adoptivemomlifepodcast
Private FB Group -＞ bit.ly/adoptivemomlife
Become an Insider - > AMLInsider
Next Steps:
Step 1: Join the private community with other adoptive moms looking for support and camaraderie at Adoptive Mom Life.
Step 2: Sign up for the monthly Adoptive Mom Life Newsletter here.
Step 3: Book a one-on-one coaching call here.
18 min - 62 | Christmas Gifts for Birth Families: An Adoptive Parent’s Guide
Ready or not, it’s that time of year again — time for holiday shopping!
Do you send Christmas gifts to your child’s birth mom or birth family? In today’s episode, we’re talking about heartfelt, personal gift ideas for your child’s biological family — from simple, thoughtful gestures to more meaningful presents they’re sure to enjoy.
Whether you have an open adoption with ongoing contact or very little connection right now, this episode isn’t about creating pressure or obligation. It’s simply a chance to think through some intentional, grace-filled ways to let your child’s birth family know they’re remembered and cared for this Christmas.
Book a Coaching Call -> HERE
Contact - > [email protected]
Podcast -＞ bit.ly/adoptivemomlifepodcast
Private FB Group -＞ bit.ly/adoptivemomlife
Become an Insider - > AMLInsider
Next Steps:
Step 1: Join the private community with other adoptive moms looking for support and camaraderie at Adoptive Mom Life.
Step 2: Sign up for the monthly Adoptive Mom Life Newsletter here.
Step 3: Book a one-on-one coaching call here.
26 min - 61 | November is National Adoption Month. How I’m Holding Space as an Adoptive Mom
November is National Adoption Month, a time to raise awareness for children still waiting for families and to honor the stories of those already formed through adoption. But as adoptive moms, this month can stir up a lot of mixed emotions — gratitude, grief, and everything in between.
In this episode, I’m sharing how I’m holding space for both the beautiful and the broken parts of my kids’ stories — and how you can, too. From the history behind National Adoption Month to the sacred, everyday work of being your child’s safe place, we’ll reflect on what this season really means for those living adoption from the inside out.
If you’ve ever felt torn between celebration and sorrow this time of year, this one’s for you.
Book a Coaching Call -> HERE
Contact - > [email protected]
Podcast -＞ bit.ly/adoptivemomlifepodcast
Private FB Group -＞ bit.ly/adoptivemomlife
Become an Insider - > AMLInsider
Next Steps:
Step 1: Join the private community with other adoptive moms looking for support and camaraderie at Adoptive Mom Life.
Step 2: Sign up for the monthly Adoptive Mom Life Newsletter here.
Step 3: Book a one-on-one coaching call here.
15 min - Are You a Christian Adoptive Mom? Join Me LIVE this Tuesday!
Hey mama,
Just a quick announcement about my live workshop happening this Tuesday, October 28, 2025! It's called From Guilt to Grace: Release the Weight of "Not Enough" and Find Rest in Truth.
I'd love to meet you!
Bring your workbook, bible, and favorite drink - let's do this important heart work side by side.
Don't forget to register HERE!
See you soon!
xoxo
Carly
3 min - 60 | How Do I Tell My Child About Their Adoption Story?
Every adoptive parent wrestles with the same questions...
How do I share my child’s adoption story without saying too much or too little?
How do I even approach such a thing?
How do I know if they’re old enough to handle it?
In this episode, I walk you through what it looks like to share your child’s adoption story with honesty, discernment, and most importantly, God’s leading.
If you’ve ever second-guessed your words or worried about “getting it wrong” when sharing your child’s story with them, this one’s for you.
⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️
LIVE workshop registration link HERE! October 28th!
Contact - > [email protected]
Podcast -＞ bit.ly/adoptivemomlifepodcast
Private FB Group -＞ bit.ly/adoptivemomlife
Become an Insider - > AMLInsider
Next Steps:
Step 1: Join the private community with other adoptive moms looking for support and camaraderie at Adoptive Mom Life.
Step 2: Sign up for the monthly Adoptive Mom Life Newsletter here.
25 min - 59 | Normal vs. Trauma Behavior: How to Tell the Difference (and What to Do!) — with Adoption Therapist Jeanette Yoffe, Part II
How do you know if your adopted child’s behavior is normal… or rooted in trauma? This is a question I hear from adoptive moms all the time!
In this episode, I chat with Jeanette Yoffe — adoptee, therapist, author, speaker, and founder of Celia Center and Yoffe Therapy — about how to parent with connection and compassion.
Here's what we talk about:
- How to spot when behaviors are trauma-related
- Simple tools and interventions to help kids process their complex stories
- The PACE model for attachment-focused parenting
- Why minimizing struggles amplifies them — and how connection diffuses them
- Using Sad Bags, Anger Bags, and Shame-wiches
Tune in for Part II today, and go back and listen to Part I if you missed it!
Ways to reach Jeanette:
Main website: www.JeanetteYoffe.com
YouTube Channel: Jeanette-icallySpeakingThe Traumatized & At-Risk Youth Toolbox Book
Psychology Today: Inner Life of Foster Care
Book and body socks on Amazon:
Jeanette's Book
Body Sock
FREE live workshop on October 28th. Register here!
Contact - > [email protected]
Podcast -＞ bit.ly/adoptivemomlifepodcast
Private FB Group -＞ bit.ly/adoptivemomlife
Become an Insider - > AMLInsider
Next Steps:
Step 1: Join the private community with other adoptive moms looking for support and camaraderie at Adoptive Mom Life.
Step 2: Sign up for the monthly Adoptive Mom Life Newsletter here.
48 min - Adoptive Moms: Join me for a LIVE workshop on October 28th!
Hey friend!
Join me live for a FREE workshop just for adoptive mamas carrying the weight of it all. It’s called From Guilt to Grace: Release the Weight of “Not Enough” and Find Rest in Truth.Bring your Bible, your workbook, and your favorite cozy drink — and let’s walk together from guilt to grace.
Save your spot at the link below!
Those who show up live and stay until the end will be entered to win a door prize! Woot woot!
>>> Register for the LIVE workshop here!!
Contact - > [email protected]
Podcast -＞ bit.ly/adoptivemomlifepodcast
Private FB Group -＞ bit.ly/adoptivemomlife
Become an Insider - > AMLInsider
Next Steps:
Step 1: Join the private community with other adoptive moms looking for support and camaraderie at Adoptive Mom Life.
Step 2: Sign up for the monthly Adoptive Mom Life Newsletter here.
5 min - 58 | Normal vs. Trauma Behavior: How to Tell the Difference (and What to Do!) — with Adoption Therapist Jeanette Yoffe, Part I
How do you know if your adopted child’s behavior is normal… or rooted in trauma? This is a question I hear from adoptive moms all the time!
In this episode, I chat with Jeanette Yoffe — adoptee, therapist, author, speaker, and founder of Celia Center and Yoffe Therapy — about how to parent with connection and compassion.
We cover:
- How to spot when behaviors are trauma-related
- Simple tools and interventions to help kids process their complex stories
- The PACE model for attachment-focused parenting
- Why minimizing struggles amplifies them — and how connection diffuses them
Tune in for Part I today, and don’t miss Part II next week as we continue this essential conversation.
Ways to reach Jeanette:
Main website: www.JeanetteYoffe.com
YouTube Channel: Jeanette-icallySpeakingThe Traumatized & At-Risk Youth Toolbox Book
Psychology Today: Inner Life of Foster Care
Contact - > [email protected]
Podcast -＞ bit.ly/adoptivemomlifepodcast
Private FB Group -＞ bit.ly/adoptivemomlife
Become an Insider - > AMLInsider
Next Steps:
Step 1: Join the private community with other adoptive moms looking for support and camaraderie at Adoptive Mom Life.
Step 2: Sign up for the monthly Adoptive Mom Life Newsletter here.
38 min - 57 | Stuck in Survival Mode as an Adoptive Parent? Try This One Simple Reset
Have you ever caught yourself running on autopilot—snapping at your family, juggling endless tasks, and realizing you’re stuck in survival mode? As moms of adopted children, those heavy, chaotic weeks can leave us feeling drained and defeated.
In this episode, I share a simple reset you can use anytime, anywhere, to calm your mind, steady your heart, and step back into presence with your kids. It’s practical, faith-filled, and designed to remind you that you don’t have to stay stuck in survival mode—you can move forward with peace, one small step at a time.
And, I have some exciting news to share next week! Make sure you’re on the email list and in the Facebook group so you can be the first to know. Hint: it’s designed just for you as adoptive moms.
Contact - > [email protected]
Podcast -＞ bit.ly/adoptivemomlifepodcast
Private FB Group -＞ bit.ly/adoptivemomlife
Become an Insider - > AMLInsider
Next Steps:
Step 1: Join the private community with other adoptive moms looking for support and camaraderie at Adoptive Mom Life.
Step 2: Sign up for the monthly Adoptive Mom Life Newsletter here.
14 min - 56 | Drowning in Screen Time Struggles? Try this Simple Teacher Hack
Are you drowning in screen time struggles with your kids?
After a long, hot summer where screens slowly shifted from an ‘extra’ to the default, I knew it was time to try something different. I came across a simple reward system from a first grade teacher, and it’s been a game-changer for our family.
As moms, we know too much screen time can impact our children’s brains, development, and attention spans. And as adoptive moms, we often feel an added responsibility to guide our kids toward becoming confident, balanced, and well-rounded little humans.
While not all screen time is bad—and not every reward system will fit every family—I hope this episode encourages you to take an honest look at the role screens play in your home. If something feels ‘off,’ I pray that you feel equipped and empowered to make small changes that bring more balance to your family.
Articles referenced from PubMed here and here.
Contact - > [email protected]
Podcast -＞ bit.ly/adoptivemomlifepodcast
Private FB Group -＞ bit.ly/adoptivemomlife
Become an Insider - > AMLInsider
Next Steps:
Step 1: Join the private community with other adoptive moms looking for support and camaraderie at Adoptive Mom Life.
Step 2: Sign up for the monthly Adoptive Mom Life Newsletter here.
20 min
About Adoptive Mom Life | Open Adoption, Adoptive Parenting, Birth Family, Christian Community, Biblical Encouragement
From the publisher's feed
Do you struggle to find the right words to share your adopted child’s stories with them? Do you pray that your child will be able to maintain a strong relationship with their birth families? Do you…
worry about your child’s mental health or behavioral diagnoses? Ever feel like you’re never enough? Do you find yourself parenting from a place of fear?
I am so glad God led you here! This podcast will help you raise connected and self-aware kids, navigate their stories with love and intention, cultivate healthy, open relationships with their birth families, and guide you through seasons of mental health or trauma-related challenges, all while supporting your own needs as a mama.
Hey, I’m Carly. A believer, work-at-home-mom, wife, and adoptive mom to two amazing kids.
After a long journey with infertility, we felt the Lord calling us to adopt our children. I realized that I didn’t really know how to parent kids from hard beginnings, navigate open relationships with birth families, or handle behavioral or mental health challenges that may come our way. Not only was there not a manual for raising children, there certainly wasn’t a manual for raising adopted children. I felt alone.
Once I let go of my own plans and fully embraced God’s plans for our family, I learned to lean into Him more than myself. I learned how to communicate in a healthy way with our birth families, and I figured out ways to parent my kids that worked for their unique needs. I also learned that I need to unapologetically fill my cup so I can better pour into my kids, especially when things get tough.
I found my voice as an adoptive mom and found other adoptive moms to link arms with. I created a sounding board and support system for myself and other adoptive moms through this podcast, where I talk candidly about parenting adopted kids, and bring in experts in areas where we need the most help. I pray these honest conversations bless you as much as they’ve blessed me!
If you’re ready to...
Be the best mom you can be to your children,
Gain skills in parenting their unique needs,
Support your child’s identity and their sense of belonging in your family,
Help share their stories in an age-appropriate and supportive way,
Navigate birth family relationships for the long haul,
Fill your cup so you can be a joyful, present mom,
And trust God with the outcome of your child’s life - this podcast is for you!
Top off that iced coffee and grab a comfy seat - it’s time to dive in.
I am so glad God led you here! This podcast will help you raise connected and self-aware kids, navigate their stories with love and intention, cultivate healthy, open relationships with their birth families, and guide you through seasons of mental health or trauma-related challenges, all while supporting your own needs as a mama.
Hey, I’m Carly. A believer, work-at-home-mom, wife, and adoptive mom to two amazing kids.
After a long journey with infertility, we felt the Lord calling us to adopt our children. I realized that I didn’t really know how to parent kids from hard beginnings, navigate open relationships with birth families, or handle behavioral or mental health challenges that may come our way. Not only was there not a manual for raising children, there certainly wasn’t a manual for raising adopted children. I felt alone.
Once I let go of my own plans and fully embraced God’s plans for our family, I learned to lean into Him more than myself. I learned how to communicate in a healthy way with our birth families, and I figured out ways to parent my kids that worked for their unique needs. I also learned that I need to unapologetically fill my cup so I can better pour into my kids, especially when things get tough.
I found my voice as an adoptive mom and found other adoptive moms to link arms with. I created a sounding board and support system for myself and other adoptive moms through this podcast, where I talk candidly about parenting adopted kids, and bring in experts in areas where we need the most help. I pray these honest conversations bless you as much as they’ve blessed me!
If you’re ready to...
Be the best mom you can be to your children,
Gain skills in parenting their unique needs,
Support your child’s identity and their sense of belonging in your family,
Help share their stories in an age-appropriate and supportive way,
Navigate birth family relationships for the long haul,
Fill your cup so you can be a joyful, present mom,
And trust God with the outcome of your child’s life - this podcast is for you!
Top off that iced coffee and grab a comfy seat - it’s time to dive in.
Best of Adoptive Mom Life | Open Adoption, Adoptive Parenting, Birth Family, Christian Community, Biblical Encouragement
Ranked by our users in the last 21 days