The Fearless Fostering Podcast

I'm answering your foster care questions today on the podcast, including what to do when your kids need more of you than you can give, how to prepare for a new placement, and how to process the grief of goodbye. Learn more about my Fearless Fostering group and join here: https://fearlessfostering.selfcarebestie.com/fearless-fostering

There’s a moment in nearly every foster mama’s journey that hits harder than expected. It usually doesn’t happen during licensing classes or even during the first hours of welcoming a new child. It happens after a few days, when the adrenaline wears off and real life kicks in. When the child starts showing signs of trauma. When your biological kids start acting out. When the caseworker misses thei...

Pediatric dietician and foster mama Madison Tyler joins me on this week's episode to share some signs that your foster or adoptive kiddo might be struggling with trauma-related food issues and how to solve them. If you'd like to learn more from Madison, you can follow her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/nourishwithconnection/

If you’re a foster mom, chances are you’ve found yourself in emotionally charged, high-stakes moments more than once—moments where your child is melting down, or a visit doesn’t go as planned, or something triggers your own trauma. These are the moments when your nervous system goes into overdrive, and every part of you wants to react. But here’s the truth: Regulation always comes before connectio...

Foster care isn’t static — it’s a system that’s constantly shifting based on politics, policy, funding, research, and public awareness. And in 2025, we’re already seeing some significant changes that every foster parent (especially moms on the frontlines) should be aware of. Whether you’re new to fostering or have had multiple placements, these updates matter. They impact how long kids stay, the k...

APPLY for the Fearless Fostering Group: https://forms.gle/HR8pem1G6Wx4dAhbALearn more about Fearless Fostering here: https://fearlessfostering.selfcarebestie.com/fearless-fosteringFoster care is never linear. If you’re reading this, you probably already know that. You know the wild swings from hope to heartbreak, the late-night worries, the unspoken fears. You know how it can feel like everything...

Absolutely LOVED this talk with my pal and former Fearless Fostering member, Christi Chatman. In addition to being a foster mama, Christi is a therapist and big believer in therapy (especially embodied therapy for all that we hold in our bodies) for foster mamas. She shares her foster care journey thus far, what was painful and frustrating, as well as encouragement for how to persevere and heal fr...

Charell Star is a former foster youth, lifelong advocate, and brilliant storyteller - she joins me in conversation on this episode to share her story and her debut memoir: Trashbag Tales & Other Stories From An Accidentally Happy Life. Find Charell's book here: https://charellstar.com/Connect with her on social media here: https://www.instagram.com/charellstar/#instagram

When you begin your foster care journey, you prepare for a lot of things. You prepare your home. You prepare your heart. You prepare for trauma, transitions, and the unknown. But almost no one prepares you for one of the most sacred, painful, complex, and often overlooked relationships in foster care:The relationship between you and your child’s biological mother. Join the Foster Mama Lifeline her...

If you’ve ever stood face-to-face with a child in full-blown meltdown mode—screaming, hitting, crying, or shutting down—you know the pressure. Your heart races. Your brain scrambles for the “right” response. And suddenly, you’re the one feeling completely dysregulated. This is one of the hardest truths about parenting—especially in foster care:You can’t support a dysregulated child unless you know...

When I first started parenting kids from hard places, I thought I was prepared. I had read the books. I had attended the trainings. I had even practiced my calm voice in the mirror (true story).But nothing fully prepared me for the moment I was in the middle of a screaming match with a 6-year-old who had flipped a table over, while my heart was racing, my voice was shaking, and I was thinking,“Wha...

If you’re a foster or adoptive mom, there’s a good chance you’ve felt it. That deep, nagging guilt that whispers:You’re not doing enough. You should have handled that better. You shouldn’t feel this way. They deserve more than you can give. I call it the guilt spiral—and it’s a space so many of us end up in, often without even realizing it. It starts small, with a moment of self-doubt. But it snow...

When I began fostering, I felt like I had prepared as much as any human possibly could. I read all the books. I watched the webinars. I went to the trainings. I talked to seasoned foster parents. I even practiced “holding space” for imaginary scenarios in my head. I was ready—or so I thought. But no amount of preparation can fully equip you for the lived experience of foster parenting, especially...

As a former school social worker and someone currently serving as a long-term social work sub in a public school, I’ve had a front-row seat to how schools function behind the scenes. I’ve also witnessed how challenging it can be for foster mamas to advocate for their children in the school system. Many foster children enter school carrying the weight of trauma, attachment challenges, and emotional...

Fact: Foster care disproportionately affects families of color. In this episode, I'm having a SUPER raw and real conversation with foster mama and foster care advocate Gaile Osborne. Gaile is the executive director of the Foster Family Alliance of North Carolina and has learned firsthand that most of us well-meaning foster mamas DO have work to do when it comes to being anti-racist and educat...

As a foster mama, you carry a weight that few truly understand—the sleepless nights worrying about your child’s emotional well-being, the endless advocacy to ensure they get the right support, and the deep emotional investment in their healing. You’re juggling doctor’s appointments, IEP meetings, sibling visits, birth parent relationships, and behaviors that other parents don’t have to navigate. A...

When you become a foster or adoptive parent, you enter into a world that is filled with love, challenges, joy, and, at times, pain. It’s a journey that requires constant learning, compassion, and understanding as you help your child navigate their own emotions, identity, and relationship with their biological roots. Get my FREE coping skills class here: https://stan.store/fearless_fostering

Winter brings a unique opportunity for families to slow down, cozy up, and create meaningful memories together. Between the chilly weather and shorter days, it’s the perfect season to focus on strengthening your bond with your children. Whether you’re a foster parent, adoptive parent, or biological parent, prioritizing connection can bring warmth to your home and deepen your relationships. Here ar...

As a foster mom, you may find yourself navigating a mix of joy, heartbreak, hope, and uncertainty. Managing your emotions effectively is crucial not only for your well-being but also for providing the best care and support for the children in your home. Today, we’ll explore actionable strategies to help foster moms manage their emotions, maintain resilience, and foster a sense of stability for the...

What does the enneagram have to do with foster care? Turns out, quite a lot! On this episode of the Fearless Fostering Podcast, I'm chatting with Ashton Brye of @ashton.creates about how the enneagram gave us insight into our experience as foster mamas. From how we processed (vs. our husbands!) to how we have grown and changed because of our foster care journeys, we don't hold back. Find...

Reunification is at the heart of foster care, embodying the primary goal of bringing children back to a safe, stable, and loving home with their biological families. For foster moms, this process can be emotionally complex, filled with moments of joy, heartache, and profound learning. Whether you’re preparing for your first experience with reunification or navigating its aftermath, understanding t...

Between managing the emotions of your kids, navigating family gatherings, and trying to create a joyful atmosphere, the holidays can feel overwhelming. I’ve been there, and I know how heavy it can feel to balance the joy of the season with the complexities of foster care or adoption. The good news is that you don’t have to just survive the holidays—you can thrive. That's what this episode is...

As a foster or adoptive mom, one of the most heart-wrenching yet meaningful moments comes when your child begins to ask about their story. Questions about their biological family, their past, and their identity can bring up a whirlwind of emotions—not only for them but for you as well. Here’s a guide to help you navigate these moments with empathy, clarity, and openness. Need more support on your...

Many people outside the foster care community have this misconception that fostering is a way to make money. I’ve heard it before, and I’m sure many of you have too—"Oh, you must be getting paid a lot to take care of these kids!"But the truth, as you all know, is that foster care is anything but a moneymaker. In fact, for 60% of foster parents, it brings more financial strain than they a...

Join me for an inspiring conversation with Beth Hewitt, a passionate advocate in the foster care community. In this episode, we discuss the challenges and triumphs of fostering, share valuable insights on supporting foster children and families, and explore ways to create a nurturing environment for all. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with others in the community! Join my Foster Car...