Foster Parent Well
Nicole T Barlow
Jump into "Foster Parent Well with Nicole T Barlow," where the adventure of Christian foster and adoptive parenting gets a little easier, a lot more joyful, and deeply fulfilling. Nicole's here with a mission: to guide you in parenting with a heart full of steadfast faith, unshakable endurance, and infectious joy.
This podcast is your cozy nook in the vast world of parenting, blending laughs, learning, and lots of love. It’s where self-care meets faith-filled encouragement, and mindset shifts help you navigate the rollercoaster of fostering and adopting. For every parent out there looking to refill their emotional and spiritual tanks, Nicole's got you covered with stories, tips, and expert advice that speak directly to the soul of a Christian foster or adoptive parent.
With "Foster Parent Well," it's like sitting down with a good friend who gets it—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Nicole dives into the unique challenges and beautiful moments of parenting children with trauma, all while reminding you that taking time for yourself isn't just nice; it's essential for providing the stable, loving home these kiddos need.
So, why not make this journey together? Join Nicole and a vibrant community of faith-driven parents, all dedicated to transforming their lives and the lives of their foster and adopted children. Tune into "Foster Parent Well with Nicole T Barlow" for your weekly dose of encouragement, laughter, and wisdom. Hit subscribe, and let's start fostering and adopting with faith, endurance, and a joy that lights up the room.
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Top 10 Foster Parent Well Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Foster Parent Well episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Foster Parent Well for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Foster Parent Well episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Navigating Ambiguous Loss: Grief as a Foster Parent
Foster Parent Well
10/09/24 • 21 min
What happens when welcoming a new child into your home brings both immeasurable joy and profound heartbreak? Journey with me, Nicole T Barlow, as I recount my personal experience with the unpredictable waves of fostering and adoption. I open up about the bittersweet reality of forming new bonds and routines, only to face the heart-wrenching process of reunification. This episode uncovers the unique struggle of ambiguous loss—a type of grief that offers no closure or societal recognition, leaving many foster parents feeling isolated and misunderstood. Together, we explore how leaning into faith and the grace of God can be a beacon of hope during such trying transitions, reminding us of the strength found in community support.
Throughout the conversation, I highlight the often-overlooked emotional complexities that foster parents endure, drawing parallels with biblical figures like Job who faced immense loss and suffering. By sharing candid stories and reflections, this episode aims to foster empathy and understanding not just for the children who endure these separations, but also for the parents who care for them. It's a call to embrace the messy and unresolved nature of these losses, without reservation, to transform our grief into compassion and deeper faith. My heartfelt prayer is for each listener to find solace and strength within our community, preparing us all for the important work ahead.
Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell
@nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/
Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/
04/16/24 • 39 min
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 essential role of nutrition and self-awareness, providing a beacon of hope and strategy for those navigating this noble journey.
Feel the strength of solidarity as we shed light on the critical role a supportive community plays in the lives of foster and adoptive parents. Gone are the days of facing adversity in isolation; we share the importance of forging connections that uplift and empower through the toughest of times. Parenting a child affected by trauma is not a path you should walk alone, and we're here to tell you how finding your tribe can transform both your experience and the healing process of your child. From integrating parents into therapy sessions to cherishing the shared experiences that only a community can provide, we lay out the blueprint for a network of support that's robust and ready to rally when you need it most.
Cap off your listening experience with a conversation on the art of patience and healthy habit formation. Stefanie and I break down the journey to wellness into bite-sized, achievable milestones, focusing on the beauty of self-compassion and the acknowledgment of every small victory. By shaping a balanced lifestyle tailored to your unique needs, we emphasize the importance of celebrating progress without comparison, nurturing your nervous system, and cultivating sustainable practices that foster long-term well-being. This episode is your invitation to embrace patience and joy in your great work, fortified by the understanding that true health is a personal and incremental triumph.
Stefanie Armstrong, LIMHP:
Instagram: @stefijo.strong_wholeness
Facebook: Stefi Jo Armstrong
Website: www.thecordco.com
Coaching Group with Nicole:
https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=nicolebarlow
Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell
@nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/
Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/
03/19/24 • 21 min
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 families to step into the world of fostering and adoption, and equally important, how we can stand alongside and support the incredible families already doing this vital work.
I'll share some of my own experiences and the lessons learned along the way. We'll also delve into how our faith can inspire and sustain us through the challenges and blessings of fostering and adoption. From the little moments of joy to the tough days that test our strength, every part of this journey can be a reflection of God's love and purpose for us and the children we welcome into our homes.
But this episode isn't just for those who've already opened their doors. It's also for anyone who's ever thought, "Maybe I could do that too," or wondered how they can support foster and adoptive families in their community. There's a role for everyone to play, and sometimes, it starts with simply understanding the journey.
So, grab your favorite cup of coffee, get comfy, and let's chat. It's about opening our doors, yes, but even more so, it's about opening our hearts to the possibilities and the children who need us. Together, we can make a world of difference, one child, one family at a time. Let's dive in and explore how we can all foster parent well.
Get my newsletter! https://nicoletbarlow.myflodesk.com/fosterparentwellnewsletter
Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell
@nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/
Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/
Working as a Team with Your Spouse
Foster Parent Well
10/30/24 • 30 min
Imagine embarking on a journey that challenges every preconceived notion you had about family and faith. That's exactly the path Bruce and I found ourselves on, navigating the landscape of foster care and adoption. In this episode, we share our story of overcoming initial fears and uncertainties, and how our unique personalities helped us find a harmonious balance.
Marriage plays a pivotal role in this demanding journey, and we emphasize its importance in the fostering and adoption process. Bruce and I reflect on how serving each other and maintaining open communication has strengthened our relationship in the face of adversity. Through prayer and mutual support, we’ve learned when to speak, when to listen, and how to uphold each other as we walk this path together. Join us for an open and faith-filled discussion, as we aim to offer insight and encouragement to those walking a similar path.
Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell
@nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/
Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/
Secrets to Better Sleep for Parents and Children
Foster Parent Well
09/25/24 • 17 min
What if you could transform your sleep quality and wake up feeling truly refreshed? Discover the secrets to healthy sleep habits and routines that can make this a reality. Nicole dives into the importance of sleep for foster and adoptive parents by creating routine like morning activities like walking outside and getting sunlight, as well as evening habits such as limiting food intake after certain hours and using blue light glasses. Personal tips, like listening to a sleep time devotion and tracking sleep patterns, are shared to help you create a restful environment. Plus, join the conversation on Instagram at Nicole T Barlow and share your sleep tips, as Nicole reveals her favorite sleep items throughout the week. Let's achieve better sleep and well-being for our entire families together.
Music/Storytime for kids:
https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-word-and-song-listening-bible-genesis-exodus/594001132
https://music.apple.com/us/album/kingdom-chronicles/598265773
https://music.apple.com/us/album/coldheartica/920524795
Get $30 off Beam Dream!
https://share.shopbeam.com/nicolebarlow
Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell
@nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/
Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/
Summer Break Announcement
Foster Parent Well
06/14/24 • 2 min
Join me, Nicole T. Barlow, as I share some exciting news and give you a sneak peek into what to expect from the next season. Season 1 has been a rollercoaster of incredible stories and invaluable lessons on foster care, adoption, and dealing with trauma—thank you for being a part of it. As we gear up for Season 2, which kicks off on Tuesday, August 6th, I’m thrilled to share that we’ve lined up an inspiring roster of guests who will continue to educate and challenge us as we navigate the complexities of foster parenting.
While we take a much-needed summer break, I encourage you to catch up on any episodes you may have missed or revisit your favorites. Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us, so feel free to leave a review or reach out to me on Instagram at Nicole T. Barlow. This is more than just a podcast; it's a community of support and faith. We are praying for you and your families and are excited to come back rejuvenated and energized. Get ready for more transformative conversations and heartwarming stories in August. Until then, take care and enjoy your summer!
Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell
@nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/
Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/
Equipping Foster and Adoptive Parents: The Power of Ongoing Training
Foster Parent Well
06/04/24 • 36 min
Ever wondered how continuous training can transform your journey as a foster or adoptive parent? Join us as we sit down with Katrina Campbell, the Director of Training at FaithBridgeU, to uncover the complexities of children's suffering and its profound impact on their behavior and emotional development. Katrina opens up about her personal journey into foster care and emphasizes the role of divine guidance in parenting. Together, we tackle the unique challenges parents face, the essential role faith plays in navigating these trials, and how these experiences have deepened our empathy and understanding of generational oppression.
We chat about the power of training and learning as Katrina and I share how approaching training with an open mindset can alleviate fear and anxiety, leading to meaningful intersections between spiritual and professional growth. We recount personal anecdotes that highlight the rewards of attending training sessions and how they provide essential tools for managing challenging behaviors. Explore the value of impactful training from those who've lived the experience and learn about the benefits of FaithBridgeU's online learning platform, offering tailored resources for foster and adoptive families. This episode promises to equip you with insights and inspiration to help you foster parent well.
FaithbridgeU: https://faithbridgeu.com/
FaithbridgeU Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithbridgeu/
For interest in foster care and adoption in the Atlanta, GA area, also check out Faithbridge Foster Care: https://faithbridgefostercare.org/
Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell
@nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/
Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/
Transforming Challenges into Blessings in Foster Care
Foster Parent Well
05/28/24 • 14 min
How does one nurture hope and resilience in children who have faced profound trauma? Join me on this heartfelt episode of the Foster Parent Well podcast as I share intimate and candid reflections on the emotional complexities of fostering and adopting traumatized children. Through personal stories from my own family, we confront the lingering effects of trauma, especially during life's critical transitions. Yet, amid these honest discussions, we anchor ourselves in the comforting promises of faith, drawing inspiration from Isaiah 61 to embrace joy and gratitude even in the most challenging times.
In a special focus on gratitude, we shift our perspective to appreciate the blessings within the foster care journey. I convey my deep thankfulness for the tough seasons, the unique joys my children bring, and the unwavering support from other foster families. Together, we explore the transformative power of keeping a gratitude journal and encourage each other to recognize the abundance in our lives. Your stories are invaluable, so connect with me on Instagram at Nicole T Barlow or via the link in our show notes. Let's uplift one another with our shared experiences as we close with a prayer for guidance, wisdom, and an outpouring of love and joy in our communities.
Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell
@nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/
Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/
Calm in the Eye of the Storm: Strategies for Foster and Adoptive Parents
Foster Parent Well
05/21/24 • 23 min
Navigating the stormy waters of foster and adoptive parenting with grace and strength is no small feat. Join me, Nicole T Barlow, as I share experience as a mother of six, the transformative power of maintaining calm and regulation in the face of our children's trauma-induced turmoil. I will give you seven key strategies to a way to keep a sense of calm that is essential for guiding our children towards emotional balance and healing.
The landscape of parenting is dotted with unpredictable challenges, and it's essential to have an arsenal of tools to stay anchored. In this episode, I reveal the unsuspected efficacy of sensory techniques and small indulgences, like cold water splashes and dark chocolate almonds, to redirect our stressed minds and soothe our anxious hearts. Through personal stories and relatable insights, I'll show you how to embrace the detective role in understanding your child's needs and not take their emotional eruptions personally. With a special emphasis on the support of therapy and the embrace of community, we'll recognize the indispensable role of faith in weathering the storms within our homes, and the profound beauty in modeling repair and forgiveness for the little ones we hold dear.
Mentioned in this episode:
America’s Kids Belong-
https://americaskidsbelong.org/
Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot-
https://www.angel.com/tickets/sound-of-hope-the-story-of-possum-trot?utm_source=google-ads&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw6auyBhDzARIsALIo6v-pbSyIWw5f4eP5-5pPwqCfXTtN42wS0DzN3IOJsV05txrTlhDuvK4aAsq6EALw_wcB
Nicole’s 6 Week Coaching program-
https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=nicolebarlow
Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell
@nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/
Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/
Responding to Lying
Foster Parent Well
11/13/24 • 32 min
Lying is more than just a fib; it’s a complex dance of cognitive development and survival instincts, especially in children who have faced trauma. Join me, Nicole T Barlow, on Foster Parent Well as we unravel the nuanced reality of lying in children who have experienced trauma. This episode is a heartfelt exploration into how lying can be a natural developmental milestone rooted in cognitive growth, involving skills like theory of mind and executive function. But when trauma enters the picture, it can twist these behaviors into survival mechanisms, creating a challenge for both children and their caregivers. With stories from a supportive network in Tampa, we'll uncover how community support plays a vital role in navigating these complexities.
As we guide our children through this intricate journey, it’s crucial to understand how lying affects not just them, but also us as parents. Discover effective strategies for managing this behavior, such as avoiding traps that provoke dishonesty and encouraging honest redo's. Our reactions, often ignited by the brain's protective drive, can sometimes do more harm than good. This episode offers insights into responding with grace and resilience, backed by neuroscience. Finally, reflect on the transformative power of parenting with love, grace, and unconditional support, ensuring our children feel truly safe, valued, and cherished. Join me for a thought-provoking session inspired by faith and the profound strength we draw from God.
Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell
@nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/
Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/
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FAQ
How many episodes does Foster Parent Well have?
Foster Parent Well currently has 27 episodes available.
What topics does Foster Parent Well cover?
The podcast is about Christianity, Adoption, Parenting, Kids & Family, Foster Care, Religion & Spirituality, Podcasts and Trauma.
What is the most popular episode on Foster Parent Well?
The episode title 'Equipping Foster and Adoptive Parents: The Power of Ongoing Training' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Foster Parent Well?
The average episode length on Foster Parent Well is 25 minutes.
How often are episodes of Foster Parent Well released?
Episodes of Foster Parent Well are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Foster Parent Well?
The first episode of Foster Parent Well was released on Feb 20, 2024.
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