Foster Parent Well

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Join me, Nicole T. Barlow, as I share some exciting news and give you a sneak peek into what to expect from the next season. Season 1 has been a rollercoaster of incredible stories and invaluable lessons on foster care, adoption, and dealing with trauma—thank you for being a part of it. As we gear up for Season 2, which kicks off on Tuesday, August 6th, I’m thrilled to share that we’ve lined up an inspiring roster of guests who will continue to educate and challenge us as we navigate the complexities of foster parenting.

While we take a much-needed summer break, I encourage you to catch up on any episodes you may have missed or revisit your favorites. Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us, so feel free to leave a review or reach out to me on Instagram at Nicole T. Barlow. This is more than just a podcast; it's a community of support and faith. We are praying for you and your families and are excited to come back rejuvenated and energized. Get ready for more transformative conversations and heartwarming stories in August. Until then, take care and enjoy your summer!

Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell
@nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/
Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/

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Ever wondered how continuous training can transform your journey as a foster or adoptive parent? Join us as we sit down with Katrina Campbell, the Director of Training at FaithBridgeU, to uncover the complexities of children's suffering and its profound impact on their behavior and emotional development. Katrina opens up about her personal journey into foster care and emphasizes the role of divine guidance in parenting. Together, we tackle the unique challenges parents face, the essential role faith plays in navigating these trials, and how these experiences have deepened our empathy and understanding of generational oppression.

We chat about the power of training and learning as Katrina and I share how approaching training with an open mindset can alleviate fear and anxiety, leading to meaningful intersections between spiritual and professional growth. We recount personal anecdotes that highlight the rewards of attending training sessions and how they provide essential tools for managing challenging behaviors. Explore the value of impactful training from those who've lived the experience and learn about the benefits of FaithBridgeU's online learning platform, offering tailored resources for foster and adoptive families. This episode promises to equip you with insights and inspiration to help you foster parent well.

FaithbridgeU: https://faithbridgeu.com/
FaithbridgeU Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithbridgeu/

For interest in foster care and adoption in the Atlanta, GA area, also check out Faithbridge Foster Care: https://faithbridgefostercare.org/

Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell
@nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/
Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/

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How does one nurture hope and resilience in children who have faced profound trauma? Join me on this heartfelt episode of the Foster Parent Well podcast as I share intimate and candid reflections on the emotional complexities of fostering and adopting traumatized children. Through personal stories from my own family, we confront the lingering effects of trauma, especially during life's critical transitions. Yet, amid these honest discussions, we anchor ourselves in the comforting promises of faith, drawing inspiration from Isaiah 61 to embrace joy and gratitude even in the most challenging times.

In a special focus on gratitude, we shift our perspective to appreciate the blessings within the foster care journey. I convey my deep thankfulness for the tough seasons, the unique joys my children bring, and the unwavering support from other foster families. Together, we explore the transformative power of keeping a gratitude journal and encourage each other to recognize the abundance in our lives. Your stories are invaluable, so connect with me on Instagram at Nicole T Barlow or via the link in our show notes. Let's uplift one another with our shared experiences as we close with a prayer for guidance, wisdom, and an outpouring of love and joy in our communities.

Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell
@nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/
Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/

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Navigating the stormy waters of foster and adoptive parenting with grace and strength is no small feat. Join me, Nicole T Barlow, as I share  experience as a mother of six, the transformative power of maintaining calm and regulation in the face of our children's trauma-induced turmoil.  I will give you seven key strategies  to a way to keep a sense of calm that is essential for guiding our children towards emotional balance and healing.

The landscape of parenting is dotted with unpredictable challenges, and it's essential to have an arsenal of tools to stay anchored. In this episode, I reveal the unsuspected efficacy of sensory techniques and small indulgences, like cold water splashes and dark chocolate almonds, to redirect our stressed minds and soothe our anxious hearts. Through personal stories and relatable insights, I'll show you how to embrace the detective role in understanding your child's needs and not take their emotional eruptions personally. With a special emphasis on the support of therapy and the embrace of community, we'll recognize the indispensable role of faith in weathering the storms within our homes, and the profound beauty in modeling repair and forgiveness for the little ones we hold dear.

Mentioned in this episode:

America’s Kids Belong-
https://americaskidsbelong.org/ 

Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot-
https://www.angel.com/tickets/sound-of-hope-the-story-of-possum-trot?utm_source=google-ads&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw6auyBhDzARIsALIo6v-pbSyIWw5f4eP5-5pPwqCfXTtN42wS0DzN3IOJsV05txrTlhDuvK4aAsq6EALw_wcB

Nicole’s 6 Week Coaching program-
https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=nicolebarlow 

Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell
@nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/
Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/

Send us a Text Message.

It's not about you- and that's a good thing.

As we observe National Foster Care Month, I delve deep into the heart of foster parenting and adoption, confronting the misconception that this path is a means to fill our voids, and instead, frame it as an opportunity to pour out our love for children in need, a true embodiment of selfless service.

Throughout our conversation, the contours of foster care and adoption take shape as a transformative experience that molds us into the likeness of Jesus, through the trials we face and the sacrifices we make.

I invite you to reflect on what fuels your commitment to this ministry and to connect with me, sharing your tales of triumph and tribulation. Together, let's seek solace and strength in a prayer for resilience, as we honor our sacred duty to our children and affirm our resolve to give, not just to receive, in this profound act of servitude.

5 Day Smoothie Detox Challenge:
 https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/rounds/5day-smoothie-detox?aid=nicolebarlow

Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell
@nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/
Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/

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Struggling to steer through the unpredictable journey of foster care and adoption, I've often grappled with the need to keep a tight grip on every turn and decision. It's a road marked by both yearning and anxiety, where the desire for control often feels like the only seatbelt we have. Throughout our deeply personal conversation, I open up about how this quest for control mirrors the behavior of our children, who seek their own sense of power in response to fear. Yet, as we navigate these high-speed twists and turns, we're reminded that true safety and security come from the hands of a trusted parent. This episode is an invitation to embrace the passenger seat, to lean into the trust we must place in a higher plan—a theme underscored by the poignant lessons of 1 Peter 5:7 and the book of Habakkuk.

For those who walk the path of foster care and adoption, I offer a heartfelt prayer in this episode, asking for the strength and peace that come from surrendering to a plan beyond our own. It's a moment of connection, where I call for guidance and solace under God's watchful presence. We explore the significance of prayer in providing a sense of reassurance and safety amidst the tumultuous care for these precious lives. Listeners are encouraged to join in this communal reflection, to find solace, and to parent with unwavering faith, patience, and joy. This episode is not just a discussion, it is a shared journey toward trusting in a plan greater than our own, and it's an honor to have you along for the ride.

Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell
@nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/
Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/

Send us a Text Message.

Every heart has the capacity for deep connections, but what happens when a child's early experiences have tarnished their ability to bond?

Join me, Nicole T Barlow, as we navigate the tender journey of building bridges to attachment with foster children. In an exploration, we delve into the attachment cycle and how it paves the way for trust, safety, and the vital development of young minds and hearts. But it's not just about understanding the cycle; it's about rewriting the stories for children whose histories are marked by too many 'no's.

We share real-life, practical methods for affirming their worth, meeting their needs, and fostering the secure attachments they deserve, even when the starting point is a history of negative attachment.

I discuss  the challenges that our own protective instincts can sometimes present, making it difficult to reach out to our children with the openness they need. So lend an ear, and together, let's learn to foster trust and understanding, ensuring that each child in our care can thrive in the warmth of connection.

Adoption Wise Blocked Care Assessment:
https://reclaimcompassion.com/assessment?oprid=247&ref=519

Foster Parent Well Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/fosterparentwellcommunity

Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell
@nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/
Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/

Send us a Text Message.

Discover the transformative power of nurturing both mind and body as Stefanie Armstrong, a respected mental health therapist and health coach, joins us to unravel the complex tapestry of parenting within the foster care and adoption. Together, we explore the profound ways in which wellness practices can anchor parents amidst the turbulent waters of raising children with traumatic histories. Stefanie reveals how prioritizing self-care isn't a luxury, but a necessity for those seeking to create a stable and loving environment for these vulnerable young souls. Our discussion underscores the essential role of nutrition and self-awareness, providing a beacon of hope and strategy for those navigating this noble journey.

Feel the strength of solidarity as we shed light on the critical role a supportive community plays in the lives of foster and adoptive parents. Gone are the days of facing adversity in isolation; we share the importance of forging connections that uplift and empower through the toughest of times. Parenting a child affected by trauma is not a path you should walk alone, and we're here to tell you how finding your tribe can transform both your experience and the healing process of your child. From integrating parents into therapy sessions to cherishing the shared experiences that only a community can provide, we lay out the blueprint for a network of support that's robust and ready to rally when you need it most.

Cap off your listening experience with a conversation on the art of patience and healthy habit formation. Stefanie and I break down the journey to wellness into bite-sized, achievable milestones, focusing on the beauty of self-compassion and the acknowledgment of every small victory. By shaping a balanced lifestyle tailored to your unique needs, we emphasize the importance of celebrating progress without comparison, nurturing your nervous system, and cultivating sustainable practices that foster long-term well-being. This episode is your invitation to embrace patience and joy in your great work, fortified by the understanding that true health is a personal and incremental triumph.

Stefanie Armstrong, LIMHP:
Instagram: @stefijo.strong_wholeness
Facebook: Stefi Jo Armstrong
Website: www.thecordco.com

Coaching Group with Nicole:
https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=nicolebarlow

Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell
@nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/
Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/

Send us a Text Message.

Have you ever wondered how the strength of a marriage can be the bedrock for a nurturing family environment? Join me, Nicole T. Barlow, as I convene with the remarkable Jennifer Haines, who brings to the table a wealth of experience in blending biological and adoptive children into a harmonious family unit. We navigate the complexities of marriage and parenting, shedding light on how faith and understanding of one another's strengths are instrumental in creating a joyful home, especially for children who have faced adversity.

In our heartfelt discussion, Jennifer and I unpack the value of carving out time for your partner amidst the whirlwind of parenting. It's not just about the occasional date night; it's about fostering that deep connection that keeps a marriage vibrant and strong. We dissect the practice of speaking your spouse's love language and how this can elevate the sense of appreciation and love in a relationship. This isn't merely about the romance; it's about forming an unwavering alliance that becomes the backbone for supporting children through the traumas they may carry with them.

This episode culminates with a look into the profound impact of gratitude and open lines of communication on a couple's journey through fostering and adoption. We emphasize the delicate dance of balancing each other's strengths and weaknesses and how this dynamic can stabilize a family. As a final note, we touch upon the support systems and communities vital for foster care, and we wrap our conversation with a prayer inspired by Jesus's love—a prayer that underlines the essence of our dialogue: the aspiration for strength and love in all our marital and familial bonds. Join us in this enlightening exploration with Jennifer Haines that promises to resonate deeply with parents navigating the beautiful, yet challenging path of raising a family.

Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell
@nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/
Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/

Send us a Text Message.

Struggling with stress is a familiar battle for many of us, but when you add the unique pressures of foster care and adoption into the mix, the weight can feel unbearable. That's why it's critical to prioritize self-care, not as an indulgence but as a vital necessity. Join me, Nicole T Barlow, as we unpack the reality of stress in the lives of foster and adoptive parents and explore practical strategies to manage it effectively. I open up about my personal experiences with stress-induced health issues and offer insights into the biochemical nature of stress, emphasizing why it's essential to be proactive about our well-being for the sake of ourselves and the children in our care.

Embarking on each day with intentionality can transform our mindset and our ability to cope with the challenges that come our way. This episode dives into the heart of spiritual practices and daily routines that have personally grounded me, such as scripture and prayer, and how they can offer peace and perspective in the midst of chaos. We'll discuss the benefits of physical activity, the power of nutritious food, and the art of setting boundaries to safeguard our emotional space. Through these strategies, we can fortify ourselves, becoming the stable, loving parents our children need while honoring the divine appointment of our parenting role.

In our journey as parents, it's easy to overlook the subtle stressors that infiltrate our lives, from household products to food choices. This episode shines a light on making intentional adjustments in these areas, the positive influence of less toxic living, and the significance of nurturing supportive communities. I also guide you through a prayer for strength and balance, inviting divine assistance to help us navigate parenting's challenges. As we wrap up, I hope you'll feel empowered to make self-care a priority and experience the divine support that comes from managing stress with grace and wisdom.

Clean Coffee: https://puritycoffee.com/collections/whole-bean-coffee/products/balance-whole-bean-coffee

Skincare and Makeup: https://www.beautycounter.com/en-us/?utmi_cp=717351

Online Coaching Community for Foster & Adoptive Parents:  https://reclaimcompassion.com/coaching?oprid=238&ref=519

Get My Newsletter:  https://nicoletbarlow.myflodesk.com/fosterparentwellnewsletter

Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell
@nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/
Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/