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

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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:
@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!

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

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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/

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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)

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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

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Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/

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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

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

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