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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.

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Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell
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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

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

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

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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

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What if you could transform your sleep quality and wake up feeling truly refreshed? Discover the secrets to healthy sleep habits and routines that can make this a reality. Nicole dives into the importance of sleep for foster and adoptive parents by creating routine like morning activities like walking outside and getting sunlight, as well as evening habits such as limiting food intake after certain hours and using blue light glasses. Personal tips, like listening to a sleep time devotion and tracking sleep patterns, are shared to help you create a restful environment. Plus, join the conversation on Instagram at Nicole T Barlow and share your sleep tips, as Nicole reveals her favorite sleep items throughout the week. Let's achieve better sleep and well-being for our entire families together.

Music/Storytime for kids: 
https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-word-and-song-listening-bible-genesis-exodus/594001132 

https://music.apple.com/us/album/kingdom-chronicles/598265773

https://music.apple.com/us/album/coldheartica/920524795

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

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Have you ever wondered what it takes to build resilience and hope amidst the complexities of the foster care and adoption system? Join us as we sit down with the inspiring Raquel McCloud, who opens up about her incredible journey from a child in kinship care to a kinship adoptive mom. Raquel’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, healing, and hope, and she shares invaluable insights on the importance of stable and supportive caregivers. From her emotional reunion with her 21-year-old daughter to the transformation of her Instagram account into a platform for sharing family adventures, Raquel's narrative is both poignant and empowering.

Website: https://www.mccloudlife.com/

Newsletter/podcast: https://mccloudlife.substack.com

Raquel's Newest Book: https://www.amazon.com/Every-Moment-Before-This-One-ebook/dp/B0DCTT3945/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=vskFS&content-id=amzn1.sym.f76d456a-cb0d-44de-b7b0-670c26ce80ba&pf_rd_p=f76d456a-cb0d-44de-b7b0-670c26ce80ba&pf_rd_r=133-2639276-6449820&pd_rd_wg=b4tXF&pd_rd_r=5063b128-d3d7-48dc-9848-c06514517cf1&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk

Other Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Raquel-McCloud/author/B0B1XJ95D9?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1725482113&sr=8-2&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

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Have you ever wondered how fostering can transform a family's dynamics and individual lives? Join us on today's Foster Parent Well podcast as we welcome Daniela Coates, a licensed master social worker from Texas with a profoundly personal connection to the world of foster care. Daniela's unique upbringing in a foster family, inspired by her father's volunteer work, offers rare, emotional insights into the integral role of birth children in fostering decisions. Hear how her childhood experiences shaped her understanding of family and care, and discover why it's crucial to include birth kids in the foster care journey.

Communication is key within foster families, and Daniela's story underscores this beautifully. She shares candid anecdotes about how her parents navigated the highs and lows of fostering, keeping the family mission alive while ensuring every child's voice was heard. Learn the significance of open dialogues, involving children in decisions, and maintaining individual connections to strengthen family bonds. Daniela’s reflections will resonate with anyone looking to balance family dynamics while embracing the rewarding, yet challenging, path of foster care.

We'll also explore the intricacies of birth order and sibling dynamics in foster care. Using relatable metaphors and strategies, Daniela guides us through integrating new children into existing family structures without causing disruption. From ensuring one-on-one time with birth kids to employing the "three R's"—rest, reconnect, and reassess—this episode is packed with practical advice for maintaining family stability. 

Social Media:
Instagram - @with_siblings and @daniela.coats  

Facebook - facebook.com/withsiblingsTX

Book: https://a.co/d/5F68Vso 

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

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Living out your faith means that you are going to live differently. It means that our main purpose is to love God and love others well.

So what does that look like in foster care and adoption? What are the ways that we can share hope and grace to people that are hurting?

Today we discuss just that...we talk about practical ways that we take our beliefs and put them into action. Join me as we talk through this together!

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