What to Expect While Fostering and Adopting

Welcome to the "What to Expect While Fostering and Adopting" podcast, hosted by Christine Marie, a biblical mindset coach, previous foster parent of 77 children and adoptive mom of 2.  This episode dives into the complexities of adopting through the foster care system, addressing common concerns and providing insights into balancing the journey with grace and faith.

The topic today is if adopting a child through the foster care system is an option for most families and what you need to know if considering this path. We are discussing the importance of setting boundaries, understanding the needs of your family, working with a mentor and trusting Gods timing in the process. 

If you are struggling right now as a foster or adoptive parent, I am so thankful that you found this episode. I want you to know that you are not alone. You are seen, valued, loved and known.

After you listen to this episode, I would love for you to head on over and join our inner circle of foster and adoptive mamas. Our Facebook group is your gateway to valuable resources and connection.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/fostercareandadoptionforchristianwomen

Thank you for being here. Go grab your cup of coffee and let's dig in.

XO-Christine Marie

On today’s episode, we will talk about the emotional highs and lows, the moments of judgment, and the lessons of grace.

If you are struggling right now as a foster or adoptive parent, I am so thankful that you found this episode. I want you to know that you are not alone. You are seen, valued, loved and known.

After you listen to this episode, I would love for you to head on over and join our inner circle of foster and adoptive mamas. Our Facebook group is your gateway to valuable resources and connection.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/fostercareandadoptionforchristianwomen

Thank you for being here. Go grab your cup of coffee and let's dig in.

XO-Christine Marie

Whether you are a foster parent hoping to adopt, already adopted or a long-term foster parent, this episode is for you if you struggle with anxiety, overwhelm and desire to keep Jesus at the center.

I will share vulnerably several ways that I tried to maintain control and perfection while battling anxiety and worry. I had found myself fully shifted into a mindset of striving to control every aspect of our foster care and adoption process. In turn, I lost myself along the way.

I didn’t understand the importance of the 5 people I surrounded myself with and who and what I was rooting my beliefs in.

If you are struggling right now as a foster or adoptive parent, I am so thankful that you found this episode. I want you to know that you are not alone. You are seen, valued, loved and known.

After you listen to this episode, I would love for you to head on over and join our inner circle of foster and adoptive mamas. Our Facebook group is your gateway to valuable resources and connection.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/fostercareandadoptionforchristianwomen

Thank you for being here. Go grab your cup of coffee and let's dig in.

XO-Christine Marie

Welcome to the What to Expect While Fostering and Adopting podcast show. If you're a foster mom on the journey to adoption, already adopted, or somewhere in the middle, you're in the right place. 

Today, I will take you on the journey of deciding to continue with my podcast. Over the past 2 months, God has been refining and pruning my heart and showing me how to more completely depend on Him.

If you are struggling right now as a foster or adoptive parent, I am so thankful that you found this episode. I want you to know that you are not alone. You are seen, valued, loved and known.

After you listen to this episode, I would love for you to head on over and join our inner circle of foster and adoptive mamas. Our Facebook group is your gateway to valuable resources and connection.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/fostercareandadoptionforchristianwomen

Thank you for being here. Go grab your cup of coffee and let's dig in.

XO-Christine Marie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZjWYgq9QfM

On today's episode, we will conclude this 2 part series and talk about parenting children with attachment disorders. We will cover 6 key points to helping foster children feel safe and secure, comforted and supported, connected, experience consistency, feel encouraged and help you as the foster parent maintain boundaries in the foster home. All of these will help in developing bonds with your children, maintain emotional regulation, and handle behavioral issues effectively.

We will also discuss the importance of self-care and refilling your emotional cup. I will share my tips to building a balanced routine that not only supports the needs of the children but also the mental and physical needs of everyone in the home. 

You can find the workbook that supports this 2 part series in my foster parent group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/fostercareandadoptionforchristianwomen

After you listen to this episode, I would love for you to head on over and join our inner circle of foster mamas. Our Facebook group is your gateway to valuable resources and connection.

So, go grab your cup of coffee and let's dig in.

XO-Christine Marie

In this episode which is part 1 of a 2 part series, we talk about attachment disorders commonly observed in foster and adopted children.

Attachment disorders relate to the bond children form with their primary caregiver right from birth, which significantly impacts their behavior. Children subjected to neglect, abuse, or abandonment often develop attachment disorders. We will discuss the 5 basic human needs that, when unfulfilled, can lead to these disorders.

In this episode, focusing on children raised in foster or adoptive care, we explore the attachment styles they typically develop. Their experiences with neglect or inconsistent parenting often result in distinct attachment styles affecting their social interactions. We delve into avoidant, fearful, and anxious attachment styles, emphasizing their unique patterns of behavior, emotional response, and potential struggles in forming relationships.

The ultimate aim is to help these children develop a secure attachment style, fostering trust in others and a positive self-image. To achieve this, we must first understand the signs and symptoms of attachment disorders. Identifying behaviors that can be linked to attachment disorders such as food issues, manipulative tactics, group setting difficulties, learning delays, and chronic anxiety.

This episode is a comprehensive guide to recognizing, understanding, and addressing the unique needs of foster and adoptive children suffering from attachment disorders. By deciphering the root cause of these behaviors, you can respond to your child's needs effectively, fostering an environment that promotes their growth. Stay tuned for the next episode, equipped with practical tips for parenting children based on their attachment style and disorder.

So, go grab your cup of coffee and let's dig in.

XO-Christine Marie

In this episode, we are going to dive into a lesser-discussed aspect of foster care: the mental health diagnoses of the foster children and then the topic of medication.

When you become a foster parent, you often have to navigate the often-overwhelming world of mental health care. I personally, know that I wasn't prepared for the level of complexity and at many times needed to make tough decisions without the understanding needed to do so.

You too, may find yourself walking through a reality of kiddos with multiple diagnoses and then ultimately, medication. So, lets prepare you heart and mind for what's at stake.

It is possible that medications could hinder the healing that could happen for these children. Without knowing the entire history of a child, that is where we have a powerful tool that we have the ability to use in navigating these tough decisions. Prayer and Discernment. 

My heart for today's episode is that you add Prayer and Discernment to the process of making these decisions with and for your foster children. 

So, go grab your cup of coffee and let's dig in.

XO-Christine Marie

There is a dire need for emotional support in the foster parent community – a need that often is neglected resulting in overwhelming isolation and unfortunate situations.

I will be vulnerably sharing one of the hardest lessons I learned as a foster parent while fostering and how it impacted the emotional struggles I faced. This episode will cover the importance of support systems, self-care and accessibility to emotional outlets and professional help to recharge and rejuvenate. 

My 20/20 hindsight vision since exiting the foster care world has been profound. Including the misconceptions about what I thought was my foster parent role and how I should have been maintaining a professional relationship with the caseworker vs. a peer relationship. 

I pray this is an enlightening episode for anyone involved or interested in the journey of foster parenting.

So, go grab your cup of coffee and let's dig in.

XO-Christine Marie

https://www.facebook.com/groups/fostercareandadoptionforchristianwomen

Join me today in an insightful edition of 'What to Expect While Fostering and Adopting' podcast, as we unravel the complexities of self-sabotaging behaviors prevalent among foster children. Dealing with challenging behaviors can seem perplexing, but understanding the root causes can pave the way towards significant change.

Diving deep into the neuroscience behind these actions, the episode unveils how traumatic experiences, subconscious mind, and fear of failure contribute to self-sabotage. We will discuss the importance of brain-reprogramming, offering hope for both foster parents and foster children.

Discover how empathy, open conversations, and practical strategies can aid in reshaping the child's mind, moving them from self-preservation responses to healthier alternatives. With perseverance and care, caregivers have the power to turn the tide and positively transform lives. Tune in for practical tips and words of encouragement for your foster care journey.

So, go grab your cup of coffee and let's dig in.

Christine Marie

Difficult Foster parenting lessons: Losing my personal identity, how I reclaimed it and practical tips for you on your journey.

Today's episode is definitely at the top list of things I wish I knew prior to becoming a foster parent. All of the coulda, woulda, shouldas are popping up in my memories as I talk through this with you today. It also makes me wonder how many other foster mama friends feel the pressure to want to be perfect, do everything the right way and push themselves to the brink of exhaustion on a daily basis? I am hoping this episode will act as almost a bumper guard for you and practical things you can put in place immediately. 

So, go grab your cup of coffee and let's dig in.

Christine Marie