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

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Connect with me on Instagram:
@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.

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

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

Get $30 off Beam Dream!
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Connect with me on Instagram:
@nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/
Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/

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

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

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:
@nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/
Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/

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:
@nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/
Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/

This episode uncovers the profound importance of fostering healthy relationships with birth families in foster and adoptive care. Through stories of my own struggles and experiences, we highlight the need for trust, genuine intentions, and respect in building positive dynamics. Inspired by Jonah's story, we explore how offering hope and love to birth parents, irrespective of their past, can significantly impact the children in our care.

Navigating the complexities of biological family relationships is crucial, and every child's preferences in communication must be respected. From children wanting ongoing contact to those needing distance, I discuss how understanding these unique needs can help them feel safe and supported. Sharing insights from my own life, I talk about maintaining open lines of communication with my children's biological parents, ensuring their well-being and helping them process their emotions. Engage with the conversation on Instagram and share your own stories. We end with a heartfelt prayer, seeking divine guidance to nurture loving and hopeful relationships in our lives. Tune in for an episode rich in faith, hope, and practical advice for foster and adoptive families.

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

What if the very challenges you face in foster care and adoption could transform you into a stronger, more compassionate person? This week, join me, Nicole T. Barlow, on the Foster Parent Well podcast. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of how upheavals in our routines can open up new paths for self-care and growth. Drawing on insights from a recent marriage retreat and the biblical story of Job, I delve into the loss of self-identity many foster and adoptive parents feel and how God can use our struggles to restore us in unexpected, beautiful ways.

To wrap things up, we discuss the importance of shedding pride and self-reliance to deepen our relationship with God and embody Christ-like qualities. I share how these experiences have shifted my worldview and faith. Your support means the world to us; please like, review, and share the podcast to help us connect with more foster and adoptive families. Tune in next Tuesday for our regular episode, and join us in a heartfelt prayer that seeks divine guidance for restored health, energy, and the patience to lead and serve our children well.

Marriage Retreat: https://marriage.winshape.org/

6 Week Coaching Group: https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=nicolebarlow
Discount Code: RESET50 (expires Aug 27, 2024)

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

What if recognizing when you're living in survival mode could transform your parenting journey? Join us as we welcome Tatiana Szulc, LMHC a licensed trauma and somatic therapist, who shares how the body-oriented approach of somatic experiencing changed her life. Tatiana's personal story of overcoming burnout in 2020 serves as a powerful parallel to the high-stress lives of foster and adoptive parents. Together, we delve into the importance of self-healing to better support our children and the critical need to address an overactive nervous system.

Through our discussion, we explore the profound impact that an unregulated nervous system can have on both physical and emotional well-being. From chronic illness to the fight, flight, and freeze responses, we uncover the hidden costs of living in persistent stress. Tatiana guides us through holistic healing methods that include creating safe environments, fostering healthy relationships, and setting boundaries. We emphasize the significance of somatic practices to not only manage stress but also to maintain strong, nurturing connections with our children.

Instagram: @tatiana.holistic.coach 

Freebie: Nervous System Guide - https://tatianaszulclmhc.kartra.com/page/freebie

Work With Tatiana - https://calendly.com/tatiana-szulc-lmhc/90min?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYu_0bSMvAIgoaE0ZJYS6Jut5-8UX4qqiH5FG5B5EapL4pR1Ruz68kUqXk_aem_nYPzUbprP4FmTZ0DqmTskw&month=2024-07

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

Can fostering hope transform your life? Join us as we welcome the incredible Melissa Smallwood, a counselor, family coach, and former foster youth, who opens up about her powerful journey from middle school foster care to becoming a foster and adoptive mother.

Discover essential strategies to combat and prevent burnout in foster and adoptive parenting. Melissa stresses the importance of honesty about feeling overwhelmed, finding a supportive community, and accepting help. She discusses the necessity of adjusting expectations and the significance of self-care through nervous system care, prayer, meditation, and trauma-informed therapy. We wrap up with a sincere prayer, expressing gratitude for Melissa’s unwavering dedication and the invaluable resources she offers. Tune in for a conversation brimming with insights and practical advice aimed at renewing hearts and sustaining joy in the foster care journey.

Website: www.mendingheartscoaching.com 
Instagram: @melissasmallwood
Facebook: facebook.com/melissasmallwoodwriter
Mending Hearts Network: https://shorturl.at/aAZIr

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