There’s this unspoken pressure in motherhood — and especially in foster motherhood — to be the “fun mom.” The one who always has energy, creativity, smiles, and Pinterest-worthy crafts. The mom who never seems to lose her cool and always has time for play. But what happens when that’s not you right now? What happens when life feels heavy, and you can barely summon the strength to get through the day, let alone make it magical? Let’s talk about that. Click here to join the Foster Mama Lifeline Ge...
Jul 14, 2025•7 min
And why you were never meant to carry it alone.There’s a lot of talk about the logistics of foster care.The background checks. The home studies. The training hours.Even the bedtime routines and trauma-informed parenting techniques.But what no one really talks about — at least not out loud — is the emotional load that comes with foster parenting.It’s not just heavy.It’s complicated.And most days, it’s completely invisible to everyone but you.If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying the weight of ...
Jul 07, 2025•12 min
And why I built Fearless Fostering to give it to you.When I got the call for our first placement, I wanted to feel ready.I had taken the classes. I had read the books. I had organized the bedroom.But when that little one crossed our threshold for the first time…I realized how much I wasn’t prepared for.Not because I didn’t care.But because foster care is not just logistics.It’s a thousand emotions at once — grief, love, guilt, hope, anger, fear — and no roadmap for how to hold it all.I created F...
Jun 30, 2025•15 min
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
Jun 23, 2025•15 min
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 their visit or when the bio parent sends a letter that leaves you in tears. It’s then that you realize: n...
Jun 18, 2025•13 min
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/
Jun 17, 2025•26 min
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 connection. And that means you must be grounded before you can effectively support your child.In this post, I ...
Jun 16, 2025•15 min
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 kind of support you receive, and how you advocate for your family and your foster child.Let’s break do...
Jun 14, 2025•17 min
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 is happening at once — or not at all.And in the thick of all of that? There’s the messy middle.It’s ...
Jun 12, 2025•16 min
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 from the wounds of foster mama trauma. You can find Christi on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.c...
Jun 03, 2025•35 min
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
May 21, 2025•23 min
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 here: https://stan.store/fearless_fostering/p/reclaimed-mama-community-pfdw5q2kFree Resources here: https://...
May 14, 2025•10 min
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 how to regulate yourself.And that’s not easy when the moment feels personal, chaotic, or just plain ex...
May 07, 2025•11 min
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,“What am I doing wrong?”The truth is, nothing. I wasn’t doing it wrong—I just didn’t know what I know now.I...
May 01, 2025•9 min
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 snowballs quickly, pulling us into a pit of shame, anxiety, and relentless pressure to be everything for e...
Apr 15, 2025•10 min
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 in that first raw, vulnerable year.Now, years later, as a therapist who supports foster and adoptive ...
Apr 03, 2025•16 min
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 stress, all of which can affect their ability to learn and thrive in a traditional classroom settin...
Mar 23, 2025•16 min
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 educating our extended family and friends to do the same.Learn more about the Alliance here: https://www.ffa-nc...
Mar 13, 2025•26 min
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.And through it all, you’re expected to keep going.But have you ever stopped to think about what it cos...
Feb 14, 2025•8 min
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
Feb 10, 2025•22 min
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 are five practical and heartfelt ways to connect with your kids this winter.Join our STEP BET walking ...
Jan 15, 2025•15 min
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 themselves and their families.Apply for Fearless Fostering (before December 31st) here: https://docs.goo...
Dec 23, 2024•23 min
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 Ashton's art and foster care journey here: https://www.instagram.com/ashton.creates/To apply for one of the r...
Dec 18, 2024•38 min
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 the truth about this process can help you approach it with empathy, resilience, and clarity.Apply for...
Dec 11, 2024•17 min
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 all about! Apply here for the next round of Fearless Fostering: https://fearlessfostering.selfcarebestie.c...
Nov 19, 2024•18 min
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 journey? Check out my Foster Mama Essentials Bundle and 1:1 sessions for foster and adoptive mamas he...
Oct 31, 2024•10 min
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 anticipated.Grab the PLR bundle here to start your digital product journey today: https://stan.store/fearless_f...
Oct 17, 2024•17 min
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 Care Support Group this Thursday, October 17 at 8 pm eastern for an open discussion and support. Save yo...
Oct 14, 2024•27 min
When it hurts to hope, remember that hope is holy, foster mama. This short but sweet episode is one I hope you will return to time and again when you feel tired, weary, and overwhelmed by the weight of your foster care journey, or just plain frustrated. And if you're looking for more foster care resources, you can find them here: https://stan.store/fearless_fostering
Sep 16, 2024•5 min
Today's guest is Abby Mortensen, a mama who entered the world of foster care after being a victim of adoption scams. Since becoming foster parents, she and her husband have fostered many children in two states. Abby shares about how her faith plays a vital role in her ability to keep fostering, despite how difficult it can be, and encourages us all to get support, ask for help, and make self-care a priority. You can follow Abby's journey here: https://www.abbymortenson.com/AND, I'm now accepting...
Jun 25, 2024•31 min
