Some parents care for a few children; others care for 39. In this episode, hosts Andy and Kelly talk with John and Cassie Adams, a couple with a big heart for children, who have welcomed dozens of kids into their home through fostering and house-parenting.

John and Cassie share how their wildly different family upbringings and personality types have influenced their approach to parenting. They discuss their experience with a "strong-willed" child and how it pushed them to discover the true balance of nurture and structure. This episode is a powerful conversation about finding your own parenting balance, leaning into outside support, and why sometimes, taking a step back is the most loving thing you can do.

Episode Highlights

• [01:10] John and Cassie share their family of origin stories and introduce their family of three biological children, and the 39 they've cared for in 15 years of marriage.
• [04:20] The motivation behind their decision to step into foster care and how their purpose has evolved over time.
• [08:55] The Adams discuss discovering the balance of nurture and structure and how it's not a one-size-fits-all solution for every child.
• [13:00] Cassie shares a personal story of taking a step back from "grade monitoring" and how it created a healthier family dynamic.
• [16:50] John and Cassie explore the difference between training and controlling, and how sometimes you have to let go to let them learn.
• [20:00] Advice for single parents and why seeking outside community and counseling is so important.
• [24:00] The first steps to take if you're a parent who feels like what you're doing isn't working.

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