What to Expect While Fostering and Adopting | Adoption, Foster parent, Foster care, Adopting

Lessons learned as a Foster and Adoptive Parent: The Journey from Judgment to Grace

On today’s episode, we will talk about the emotional highs and lows, the moments of judgment, and the lessons of grace.
It wasn’t until I had fully exited the world of foster care that I truly looked back and analyzed my heart’s posture. Knowing the intimate stories of the 77 children that entered our home and the hundreds more that I helped mentor the families of; my heart was broken. It in a place of judgement towards the biological families of these foster children. I wrestled between anger, disappointment, pain and it all settled into disapproval of how hard the lives of these children were. 
It ended up filling my heart with exactly the opposite of what led me to become a foster parent. 
My hope in sharing all of this with you today is that you will embrace the 4 tips I share with you and that it will help you to stay in a place of Grace, acceptance and Gods love through your foster care and adoption journey. 
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/whattoexpectwhilefosteringandadopting
Thank you for being here. 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. This will help others just like you to find my podcast and be encouraged along their journey: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/what-to-expect-while-fostering-and-adopting-adopting/id1701306333
 

Trusting God while you're waiting: Adopting through the foster care system

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/whattoexpectwhilefosteringandadopting
Thank you for being here. 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. This will help others just like you to find my podcast and be encouraged along their journey: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/what-to-expect-while-fostering-and-adopting-adopting/id1701306333
 

Leaning on Jesus: Struggling through emotional overwhelm and anxiety as a foster and adoptive parent

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/whattoexpectwhilefosteringandadopting
Thank you for being here. 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
Seph Schlueter - Counting My Blessings:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZjWYgq9QfM
 

Attachment Disorders in Foster and Adoptive Children Part 2 of 2: Parenting Children with Attachment Disorders

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/whattoexpectwhilefosteringandadopting
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
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
 

Attachment Disorders in Foster and Adoptive Chilldren - Part 1 of 2

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.
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
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/whattoexpectwhilefosteringandadopting
 

Mental Health and Medication Decisions in Foster Care

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. 
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
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/whattoexpectwhilefosteringandadopting
 
 
 
 
 

Foster parents don't have enough support: What to do about it and how to not make the same mistakes I did as a foster parent.

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.
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
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/whattoexpectwhilefosteringandadopting
 
 
 

Understanding and Overcoming Self-Sabotaging Behaviors in Foster Children

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.
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, connection and to find out more about 1:1 coaching.
 
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/whattoexpectwhilefosteringandadopting
Follow me on Instagram at: 
https://www.instagram.com/its.christinemarie
 

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

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. 
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.
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/whattoexpectwhilefosteringandadopting
Follow me on Instagram at: 
https://www.instagram.com/its.christinemarie
 

Getting paid to be a foster parent: Do people take in foster children for the money?

29% of people who were asked, believe that foster families take in so many foster children because they are doing it for the money. 
 
The other day, I saw a video that confirmed that people do believe this and it was upsetting but also validation that it needs to be discussed. In this episode, we are going to break this down, and talk about perception vs. reality. Why do some children receive a higher level of care payment and how to know what you're supposed to pay for with this money. 
 
Money can be an uncomfortable conversation for foster parents and especially when you're stepping out into this for the first time. We're also going to talk about the difference between an income and a stipend and why it matters. 
 
After you listen to this episode, I would love for you to head on over to my private Facebook group and share what you believed about this topic before today's episode and then after you listened. Did it shift your perspective or do you see things differently now?
 
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/whattoexpectwhilefosteringandadopting
Follow me on Instagram at: 
https://www.instagram.com/its.christinemarie
 
article cited: https://youthlaw.org/news/foster-parents-who-are-they-and-what-are-their-motivations