What to Expect While Fostering and Adopting – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Caroline Leaf, a communication pathologist, audiologist and clinical neuroscientist, to explore the powerful concept of neuroplasticity and its impact on healing trauma in children.

Dr. Leaf specializes in psychoneurobiology research, has published 19 bestselling books in 24 languages, has over 50 million downloads on her award winning podcast, "Cleaning up the mental mess," and over 9 million downloads on YouTube. She runs research trials in mental health and publishes in scientific journals. She speaks to diverse audiences around the world including neuroscience and medical conferences and TEDx.

Today, we are discussing mental health diagnosis in foster and adoptive children, if healing is possible for them and ways to help facilitate regrowth of new healthy brain pathways. 

Learn about the groundbreaking techniques outlined in Dr. Leaf's book, "How to Help Your Child Clean Up Their Mental Mess," and discover practical strategies to create a nurturing environment for your child. You can find the book bundle discussed in todays episode by following this link: https://drleaf.com/collections/product-combo-deals/products/how-to-help-your-child-clean-up-their-mental-mess-hardcover-brain-ee-plush-toy-brain-ee-coloring-book

Whether you're new to fostering or have been on this journey for years, this episode provides essential tools and encouragement to help you, and your child thrive. Dive into the conversation and gain insights that will empower you to make a positive impact on your child's mental health and well-being.

The book I personally recommend to foster and adoptive parents, which also helped me in my healing journey is found at this link:  https://drleaf.com/collections/books/products/cleaning-up-your-mental-mess

To see all the incredible resources that Dr. Caroline Leaf has available, this is the link to her website: https://drleaf.com

It was such a blessing to have Dr. Leaf on the podcast today. I pray she blesses you as much as she has blessed me today.

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

XO-Christine Marie

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

Looking back there is a few very pivotal lessons I wish I didn't have to learn but I am so thankful to share them with you today.

These are the top 5:

1. How does your foster child's  behavior reflect on your parenting. 

2. Chronological age vs. emotional age.

3. Your feelings are valid.

4. Being authentically you.

5. Putting your family first. 

There are so many more lessons that I learned but these five that are foundational to the journey you are now on.

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

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

If you found this episode helpful, I would love for you to leave me a review on apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/what-to-expect-while-fostering-and-adopting-adopting/id1701306333

Join the inner circle community of like-minded mamas at: 

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

If you found this episode helpful, I would love for you to leave me a review on apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/what-to-expect-while-fostering-and-adopting-adopting/id1701306333

Join the inner circle community of like-minded mamas at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/fostercareandadoptionforchristianwomen

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

If you found this episode helpful, I would love for you to leave me a review on apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/what-to-expect-while-fostering-and-adopting-adopting/id1701306333

Join the inner circle community of like-minded mamas at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/fostercareandadoptionforchristianwomen

29% of people who were asked, believe that foster families take in so many foster children because they are doing it for the money. 

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

If you found this episode helpful, I would love for you to leave me a review on apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/what-to-expect-while-fostering-and-adopting-adopting/id1701306333

Join our Facebook community of like-minded mamas at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/fostercareandadoptionforchristianwomen

article cited: https://youthlaw.org/news/foster-parents-who-are-they-and-what-are-their-motivations

Understanding the different types of attachment disorders in foster children is critically important to understanding how to best parent them. There are 4 different types of attachment disorders that we will discuss on today's episode. I will also share a list of strategies to help your foster child begin adjusting to your home and family. 

We will cover many topics in today's episode including clear boundaries, patience and grace, creating routines for your children, the importance of play, being trauma informed, support for the foster parent, celebrating every small win and my upcoming membership group.

I would love for you to head on over to my private Facebook group after you listen to this episode and share which strategies you use in your home and add to the list of what you find important.

I truly believe it is possible to help foster children begin to attach and find healing from their trauma and you are such an important part of this.

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

If you found this episode helpful, I would love for you to leave me a review on apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/what-to-expect-while-fostering-and-adopting-adopting/id1701306333

Join our Facebook community of like-minded mamas at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/fostercareandadoptionforchristianwomen

Does affording Christmas gifts for your foster children overwhelm you?

Are you not sure how to navigate the busy season and also remain present with your foster/ adoptive and biological children?

Are you wanting to help more kiddos than just the ones in your home but not sure what to do or where to begin?

Adding foster children to your home during the holidays can be overwhelming but it definitely doesn't need to be.

In today's episode, were going to talk about where to find resources, planning for a busy Christmas and how to choose the right gifts for the children in your home.  Were also going to talk about how you can make a bigger impact and help more foster children in your own community.

Go grab your cup of coffee and let's dig in.

If you found this episode helpful, I would love for you to leave me a review on apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/what-to-expect-while-fostering-and-adopting-adopting/id1701306333

Join our Facebook community of like-minded mamas at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/fostercareandadoptionforchristianwomen   

Are you wanting to adopt, feel called to adopt a child or grow your family through the foster care system?

When I wanted to grow our family through adoption, it all seemed so overwhelming, and I didn't know how to navigate such a complicated system. I can't wait to share with you, 3 ways that may help shorten your journey. 

In this episode, I discuss several websites and how you can utilize them in your journey. 

www.adoptuskids.org 

www.adoptamericanetwork.com

www.raisethefuture.org

www.wiaa.org

I hope todays episode brings your 1 step closer in your adoption journey, helps your find more peace in choosing a direction and lessens the overwhelm.

If you found this episode helpful, I would love for you to leave me a review on apple podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/what-to-expect-while-fostering-and-adopting-adopting/id1701306333

Join our Facebook community of like-minded mamas at:  

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

I know I have experienced this and wish I knew what to do when this happened. Foster parenting can be such an emotional journey and having a good relationship with your childs caseworker absolutely makes it easier.

Today I will be sharing tips with you so you can begin the relationship in the right way and plan for success. We will also discuss what to do when you have tried everything and it's not working. 

I also have an announcement at the end of the episode today that I am so excited to share with you. 

If you found this episode helpful, I would love for you to leave me a review on apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/what-to-expect-while-fostering-and-adopting-adopting/id1701306333

Join our Facebook community of like-minded mamas at:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/fostercareandadoptionforchristianwomen