Respite Redefined

Brittany and her husband recently brought home two boys from foster care, and in that time she also decided to enroll in graduate school and change her career.  In this episode she tells listeners how it's okay to be in survival mode, what that means to her, and what she has intentionally decided to slack on to get through this season of life.

After 10 years of marriage and two bio daughters, Sally and her husband decided to pursue foster care. So far they've only had one placement, but in this episode Sally shares all about what she's learned so far, what's been the biggest surprise, and some great practical advice for everyone listening.

Bailey and her husband recently disrupted a foster placement of two boys.  In this episode she explains what disruption is, why they chose to do it (spoiler alert!  it was in the best interest of their boys), and how that makes her think about foster care in a whole different way.   Find the show notes at www.respiterdefined.com/listen

Welcome to our first Stories episode!  In these episodes a member of our community will read an essay they have written for you to listen to.  This week Corrie, our staff writer, has written a great essay about her "Found Girl."  Enjoy! Go to www.respiteredefined.com to learn how you can submit your story.

It seems like the word of the moment is "intentional."  We all want to be intentional with our lives, and especially with our motherhood.  But it can be really hard to be intentional when we never know how long a kid will be in our home.  If you're completely at a loss on how to be intentional or you just need some encouragement, then this is the podcast episode for you.  Kimberly and Caitlin talk about how to be intentional with your limited days by offering practical advice and encouragement on connecting with your kids.

Have questions?  We answered them!  Caitlin and her husband Kevin talk about what it's like adopting from foster care, what you can do if your husband isn't on board, and what the future plans for Respite Redefined are.

The youngest biological child, Kylee was six when her parents decided to open their home to foster.  Growing up with kids who kept coming and going is what led Kylee to become a social worker.  In this episode she tells her story about how foster care positively impacted her life and encourages moms with bio kids that foster care doesn't have to be scary.

Lexi is a former foster teen who now calls herself a foster mom. In this episode, she shares her story of what it was like being a teenager in the foster care system, what she has learned about herself throughout this life, and what has surprised her the most about being a foster mom. She also shares the one best thing that you as a foster/adopt mom can do for your kids. Show your support of this episode by leaving us a review on iTunes and sharing this episode on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Caitlin talks with a mom about what it's like to parent children who have been sexually harmed.  This mom gives great insight to what it's like to be a foster family and gives great tips and encouragement to others in trenches of foster care.

Kimberley and Caitlin talk about life with infertility, how it affects the way they parent, and how it has led them to foster care adoption.  They both get vulnerable and explore how infertility has changed their life for the better.

Welcome back to season 3!  In this episode, Caitlin shares an update on her last episode about adoption and identity.  She talks about how she takes off her adoption hat, what that actually means for her, how beneficial it is, and how you can do it, too.  Be sure to leave a review on iTunes and check out the new website!

When does adoption become WHO you are instead of just a part of your story?  Caitlin discusses her struggles with finding this balance of being an adoption mom along with being a regular mom and a regular person.

In this episode, Caitlin talks with Alli and Courtney about how the creative process behind Dandelion Magazine.  Learn how this project went from idea to final product and listen until the end for you to learn how to win your own hard copy of the first issue of the magazine.

Jen M. thought she wouldn't be able to foster/adopt if she was a working mom, but decided to go for it anyway.  In this episode she talks to Caitlin about what it's like to be a working foster/adopt mom and gives some practical advice and encouragement to any other working moms out there.

Kristin has never had a child in her home that didn't go back to his/her biological parents.  In this episode, she shares how she handles reunification and gives some encouraging and practical advice to fellow and future foster mamas.

Elizabeth and Caitlin discuss their struggles with wanting to be a mother and the not-so-normal way motherhood found them.

Michelle and Caitlin talk about post adoption depression and encourages moms listening what they can do during the foster-adopt process to seek help and get out of the pit that parenting expectations can put them in.

Austin shares how God used her anxious waiting period to show her how to wait with purpose.  She shares some great practical advice on what to do in the midst of the waiting time.

At the age of 21 Lauren applied to be a foster mom in her county.  She then completed the extra process of becoming licensed to take in traditional special needs children--kids with autism, down syndrome, and the like.  Though she hasn't been placed with any kids yet, Lauren talks about her decision to become a foster mom so young and why she chose to do special needs.

Myranda and Caitlin talk about how exhausting and frustrating it is to parent children with little to no knowledge of their medical backgrounds and how difficult it can be to keep up with years of information.  When you have to take kids to the doctor's office or other appointments, here are some ways to keep track of what you need.