Every heart has the capacity for deep connections, but what happens when a child's early experiences have tarnished their ability to bond? Join me, Nicole T Barlow, as we navigate the tender journey of building bridges to attachment with foster children. In an exploration, we delve into the attachment cycle and how it paves the way for trust, safety, and the vital development of young minds and hearts. But it's not just about understanding the cycle; it's about rewriting the stories for children whose histories are marked by too many 'no's. We share real-life, practical methods for affirming ..read more

Discover the transformative power of nurturing both mind and body as Stefanie Armstrong, a respected mental health therapist and health coach, joins us to unravel the complex tapestry of parenting within the foster care and adoption. Together, we explore the profound ways in which wellness practices can anchor parents amidst the turbulent waters of raising children with traumatic histories. Stefanie reveals how prioritizing self-care isn't a luxury, but a necessity for those seeking to create a stable and loving environment for these vulnerable young souls. Our discussion underscores the essen ..read more

Have you ever wondered how the strength of a marriage can be the bedrock for a nurturing family environment? Join me, Nicole T. Barlow, as I convene with the remarkable Jennifer Haines, who brings to the table a wealth of experience in blending biological and adoptive children into a harmonious family unit. We navigate the complexities of marriage and parenting, shedding light on how faith and understanding of one another's strengths are instrumental in creating a joyful home, especially for children who have faced adversity. In our heartfelt discussion, Jennifer and I unpack the value of car ..read more

Struggling with stress is a familiar battle for many of us, but when you add the unique pressures of foster care and adoption into the mix, the weight can feel unbearable. That's why it's critical to prioritize self-care, not as an indulgence but as a vital necessity. Join me, Nicole T Barlow, as we unpack the reality of stress in the lives of foster and adoptive parents and explore practical strategies to manage it effectively. I open up about my personal experiences with stress-induced health issues and offer insights into the biochemical nature of stress, emphasizing why it's essential to b ..read more

Embark on an extraordinary exploration of faith, resilience, and the transformative power of fostering and adoption with our special guest Mandie Summers. As a full-time missionary with the Jesus Film Project and a seasoned foster and adoptive parent, Mandie illuminates her journey and the pivotal role spirituality plays in navigating the complexities of caring for children with traumatic histories. Guided by her experience and the support of  a private Christian foster agency, this episode unravels the threads of divine strength that bind together a family walking this path. With each c ..read more

Hey there, welcome to "Foster Parent Well," the podcast where I dive deep into the real, raw, and rewarding world of foster care and adoption and talk about taking care of ourselves as we go. This isn't just any show; it's a personal journey, a collection of stories, and a community for anyone who's navigated or is curious about the maze of fostering and adopting.  In our kick-off episode, I'm opening up about my own experiences and the rollercoaster ride that comes with it. We're talking all things foster care and adoption - the highs, the lows, and everything in between. I'll share sto ..read more

Hey there, Foster Parent Well family! It's Nicole T Barlow here, and in this heart-to-heart episode, we're diving into a topic that's close to my heart and, I believe, crucial for our community: the need for more Christian foster and adoptive homes. It's just you and me today, and I'm eager to share some thoughts, stories, and maybe a little bit of inspiration along the way. We all know the journey of foster care and adoption is filled with its ups and downs. It’s a path of incredible love, sometimes heartbreak, but always profound impact. Today, I want to talk about why we need more amazing ..read more

Welcome to another episode of Foster Parent Well with Nicole T. Barlow. Today, we're diving deep with our special guest, Jennifer Haines, into the often-misunderstood narrative of foster and adoptive parenting. This episode, titled "The Unseen Journey: Shifting the Hero Narrative in Foster and Adoption," challenges the notion that foster and adoptive parents need to be heroes in their children's stories. Jennifer and Nicole share personal anecdotes and insights, unraveling the pressure and unrealistic expectations that society places on foster and adoptive parents. They discuss the importance ..read more

Welcome to the Foster Parent Well Podcast Trailer with host, Nicole T Barlow– your gateway to a journey of endurance, resilience, and faith-filled parenting for foster and adoptive moms. Nicole invites you to delve into a series dedicated to empowering you to become the best version of yourself, enabling you to provide a loving and stable environment for children with trauma. In this trailer, Nicole introduces the themes and heart behind 'Foster Parent Well,' offering a glimpse into how each episode will support you through the unique challenges of foster care and adoption. Learn how to enhanc ..read more