From Foster to Forever

EMDR and Play Therapy with Trauma Expert Jenny Hornby

Recognizing our superpower as parents is the name of the game today, and it’s not about having all the answers. Our presence alone can be a game-changer for our kids, especially those who come from foster care and carry their own unique traumas. We’re diving deep with Jenny Hornby, a licensed counselor and trauma expert, who’s got some serious insights on how to help kids process their feelings in a safe way. We chat about EMDR therapy, which Jenny describes like taking a train ride through their experiences without reliving the trauma. So, whether you’re a seasoned foster parent or just curious about the journey, tune in for stories and tips that’ll resonate with anyone navigating the wild world of parenting! Join us as we embark on a heartfelt conversation about the power of presence in parenting, especially for those navigating the choppy waters of foster care and adoption. This episode features Jenny Hornby, a licensed counselor whose expertise in trauma therapy shines a light on the complexities of emotional healing for children. We kick things off with a discussion about EMDR therapy—an innovative approach that helps children process their trauma in a safe and structured way. Jenny explains how this technique allows kids to revisit painful memories without the overwhelming emotions that typically accompany them. By using relatable analogies, she makes the therapy sound not only effective but also approachable, inviting listeners to consider how vital it is for kids to know they aren’t alone in their struggles. The conversation shifts to Jenny's own experiences as an adoptive parent, where she shares poignant moments from her journey that resonate deeply. From the emotional intricacies of meeting her child’s birth mother to the joys and challenges of raising kids who have experienced trauma, Jenny’s stories paint a vivid picture of love and resilience. She also discusses the importance of open lines of communication and how to gently guide children through their feelings about their pasts. This relatability adds a layer of warmth and authenticity to the episode, making it a must-listen for anyone involved in or considering adoption. As we wind down, Jenny offers practical advice for parents on how to handle their children’s big emotions. She emphasizes the necessity of self-awareness for parents, reminding us that we need to check in with ourselves before we can effectively support our kids. The episode closes with a reminder that being present and allowing children to feel their emotions is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. With humor and heart, this episode serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that love, understanding, and patience can have on healing and growth for both parents and children.Takeaways:As parents, our greatest superpower is simply being there for our kids, no cap!When it comes to kids from foster care, trauma is almost a given, so we need to be prepared.EMDR therapy helps kids process trauma without reliving it, making it a game changer.Building trust with kids is crucial; it’s about showing up and letting them lead the way.Using creative methods like art and storytelling can help children express their fears and emotions.Being present is key—sometimes, just hanging out with your kid in silence can do wonders.Links referenced in this episode:fromFoster2forever.com@foster2foreverpodcastmsJennybooks.comFostering Families Today Magazine (10% off subscription)Mentioned in this episode:10% OFF FOSTERING FAMILIES TODAY MAGFostering Families Today is a bi-monthly magazine distributed to foster, kinship and adoptive families across the country offering resources, expert opinions, practical advice and information on the latest evidence-based best practices for supporting children and youth who come from traumatic backgrounds. Use coupon code foster10 to receive 10% off your annual subscription at fosteringfamiliestoday dot com. That's fosteringfamiliestoday dot com. FFT

Adoption Adventures: Finding Our Family through Fostering

Today, we hear the heartfelt journey of David and Jill, who took the leap from being childless to adopting two beautiful siblings through the Foster to Adopt process. They share openly about how infertility led them to this path and speak about how this experience has transformed them into better people and deepened their love in ways they never imagined. From navigating the emotional rollercoaster of uncertainty, to the joys and challenges of raising toddlers who came from a tough background, their happy story is a testament to resilience and unconditional love. We chat about the importance of support systems, how to handle the unique dynamics of blended families, and the sheer joy of watching their kids thrive. So, tune in as we celebrate these non-traditional family stories that remind us that love knows no bounds! In this episode, we cover the inspiring journey of David and Jill, a couple who always wanted to be parents. When faced with infertility, they took the leap into the world of foster care and adoption. Their story isn't just about becoming parents; it's about overcoming challenges, embracing love, and the unexpected twists life throws your way. From their struggles with infertility to the joyful surprise of welcoming two sisters into their home, their candid conversation is filled with heartfelt reflections and light-hearted moments that keep the listeners engaged. They discuss how the foster-to-adopt process has transformed their lives, making them better individuals and parents, and how their love for their children runs deeper than they ever thought possible. David and Jill's experiences illustrate the highs and lows of fostering, including the emotional turmoil of potentially losing their girls when they first entered their lives. With a mix of humor and vulnerability, they recount the uncertainty of not knowing how long they would have the girls and the challenges of navigating the court system. Their honesty about the rollercoaster of emotions resonates with many, as they share the lessons learned through love, patience, and support from their community. The couple emphasizes the importance of connecting with others who understand the unique challenges of fostering, echoing the sentiment that it truly takes a village to raise a child. By sharing their journey, David and Jill not only highlight the beauty of foster care but also inspire others who may be considering this path. As they reflect on their family's growth and the love they have cultivated, listeners are left with a powerful message: the journey of parenting—whether through fostering or adopting—is filled with uncertainties, but the love that emerges from it is both profound and life-changing. This episode is a testament to the transformative power of family, no matter how it comes together.Takeaways:Becoming parents through fostering transformed us into better individuals, deepening our love.The journey from fostering to adoption can be long and emotionally challenging, but it's worth it.Having support from others who understand the challenges of fostering is absolutely priceless.Our kids, despite their tough beginnings, are full of love and joy, reminding us daily.Navigating the foster care system requires patience, faith, and a lot of love for the kids.The importance of being kind and building relationships with social workers and attorneys cannot be overstated.Companies mentioned in this episode:Foster2Forever.comThe VillageMentioned in this episode:10% OFF FOSTERING FAMILIES TODAY MAGFostering Families Today is a bi-monthly magazine distributed to foster, kinship and adoptive families across the country offering resources, expert opinions, practical advice and information on the latest evidence-based best practices for supporting children and youth who come from traumatic backgrounds. Use coupon code foster10 to receive 10% off your annual subscription at fosteringfamiliestoday dot com. That's fosteringfamiliestoday dot com. FFT

Foster Care Reality: Trauma, Love & Burnout with Emily Ellet

This episode is a deep dive into the world of foster care - specifically, fostering a teen as a single woman. Our guest, Emily Ellett, shares her personal journey as a foster parent with candor and insight, shedding light on the realities, challenges, and heartfelt moments that come with it. We tackle the common misconceptions surrounding these kids and how the truth often varies from what’s painted for potential foster parents. Emily's experiences reveal the rollercoaster of emotions that come with fostering teens, the unexpected hurdles, and the moments that make it all worth it. We chat about the importance of having a solid support system and the need to be open about what help you might need, all while keeping it real and relatable. Listen to hear all about love, resilience, and the complexities of foster care!From Foster to Forever takes a deep dive into the heartfelt and often unpredictable world of foster parenting in its latest episode featuring audiobook narrator and singer Emily Ellet. Listeners are treated to Emily's personal journey into fostering, which began from a place of genuine desire to help children who need a stable and loving home. The episode sheds light on the rigorous certification process she underwent, which served as her introduction to the realities of foster care, while also highlighting her personal experiences with trauma and the impact it had on her journey. Throughout the episode, Emily shares candid anecdotes about her first placements, illustrating the joys and difficulties that come with fostering teens who have faced significant challenges. Her reflections reveal the complexities of navigating relationships with not just the children but also with her own family, who were unsupportive of her decision to foster. This narrative not only underscores the emotional rollercoaster of fostering but also emphasizes the importance of having a solid support system in place. Emily’s transparency about her struggles, including the miscommunication with caseworkers and the emotional toll of her experiences, offers a realistic perspective that is often overlooked. The overarching message of the episode is clear: fostering is a journey filled with challenges, but the love and connection foster parents bring to the lives of children make it a deeply rewarding endeavor. Emily's story serves as both a cautionary tale and an inspiring guide for those considering fostering, reminding listeners that while the path is not easy, it is undeniably worthwhile. This episode is a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand the realities of foster care, especially when fostering an older child.Takeaways:Fostering can be a wild ride, and it's crucial to go in with your eyes wide open about the potential challenges ahead.Getting into fostering isn't just about helping kids; it's about knowing your own limits and having a solid support system in place.The reality of foster care often differs from the rosy picture painted by agencies; transparency is key for success.Foster parents need to be aware that the kids they take in may have complicated histories that could trigger their own past traumas, especially older children and teens.Links referenced in this episode:fromfoster2forever.com@foster2foreverpodcastMentioned in this episode:10% OFF FOSTERING FAMILIES TODAY MAGFostering Families Today is a bi-monthly magazine distributed to foster, kinship and adoptive families across the country offering resources, expert opinions, practical advice and information on the latest evidence-based best practices for supporting children and youth who come from traumatic backgrounds. Use coupon code foster10 to receive 10% off your annual subscription at fosteringfamiliestoday dot com. That's fosteringfamiliestoday dot com. FFT

Embracing the Unexpected in Foster Care with Nikki Zakocs

Flexibility and openness are the name of the game when it comes to fostering and adopting, and our guest, Nikki, really drives that point home today. She’s got a heartwarming story about her journey through foster care, navigating the ups and downs with grace and humor. From dealing with unexpected placements straight out of the hospital to fostering a medically fragile baby, Nikki shares the real scoop on what it’s like to open your home and heart to kids in need. We also dive into how her family adapted, the community support that came through in spades, and the bittersweet moments of attachment and letting go. So, grab your headphones and settle in for a chat that’s not just insightful but also sprinkled with wit and wisdom—perfect for anyone curious about the foster care world!Diving into the heart of foster care and adoption, we chat with Nikki Zakocs, an audiobook narrator and former foster mom who shares her journey through the often chaotic but incredibly rewarding world of fostering. From the moment she and her husband decided to open their home to children in need, Nikki emphasizes the importance of flexibility and an open mind. With three biological kids already in tow, they embarked on a deeply personal journey that began with a lot of research and conversations about what it means to be a foster family. She candidly recounts her initial hopes of adopting internationally, only to discover that the path to foster-to-adopt was not just feasible, but also filled with unexpected joys and challenges. Nikki paints a vivid picture of her first placement, a newborn baby girl who arrived just days after they were licensed, and the whirlwind of emotions that came with it, including the overwhelming feeling of court appearances and the reality of potentially having to let go of the children she grew to love. The conversation flows effortlessly as Nikki shares the ups and downs of fostering, from the excitement of welcoming new children into her home to the heart-wrenching moments of saying goodbye. She reflects on the bonds formed and the lessons learned along the way, highlighting how her experiences have shaped her family's view of love and compassion. The episode is sprinkled with humor and warmth, as Nikki recounts the hilarious and chaotic moments of having multiple kids in the house, including the supportive network of friends and community members who rallied around her family with clothes, baby supplies, and a whole lot of encouragement. We also discuss the emotional toll fostering can take on both parents and biological children, yet how it ultimately opens their hearts and minds to the realities of life for many children in the system. As we wrap up, Nikki shares her insights on keeping the connection with biological families and how her views have shifted over the years. She champions the idea that fostering is not just about providing a temporary home, but about being part of a larger family narrative that includes birth families, reinforcing the importance of understanding and compassion in a child’s life. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone considering fostering or simply wanting to understand the complexities of foster care better.Takeaways:Flexibility and an open mindset are essential when entering the world of foster care.The experience of fostering can profoundly change your perspective on life and parenting.Involving your biological children in the foster care process can provide valuable lessons about empathy and community.The emotional attachment formed during fostering is real and can lead to heart-wrenching goodbyes when children are reunified with their families.Links referenced in this episode:FromFosterToForever.comFosterToForeverPodcast (Instagram)Save 10% of Fostering Families Today MagazineMentioned in this episode:10% OFF FOSTERING FAMILIES TODAY MAGFostering Families Today is a bi-monthly magazine distributed to foster, kinship and adoptive families across the country offering resources, expert opinions, practical advice and information on the latest evidence-based best practices for supporting children and youth who come from traumatic backgrounds. Use coupon code foster10 to receive 10% off your annual subscription at fosteringfamiliestoday dot com. That's fosteringfamiliestoday dot com. FFT

The Cosmic Library: Akashic Records for Family and Personal Guidance

Kanika Vasudeva joins us today to dive into the mystical realm of the Akashic Records and the art of energy expansion. We kick things off by exploring what the Akashic Records really are—think of them as a cosmic library filled with everything about your life and soul's journey. Kanika encourages us to embrace our curiosity and even our skepticism, reminding us that accessing this wealth of knowledge is not just for the “gifted” but is open to anyone willing to explore. We chat about how tapping into these records can help folks navigate their paths to building non-traditional families, especially when it comes to fostering and adoption. Plus, we dish out some real talk on how to handle the emotional rollercoaster that comes with these journeys, showing how understanding our soul contracts can provide clarity and closure amidst the chaos. So, whether you’re a seasoned spiritual seeker or just a curious newbie, this episode is packed with insights to help you on your journey! Kanika Vasudeva joins us to unravel the fascinating concept of the Akashic Records, a mystical library that holds all the secrets of our lives. If you're curious about how this cosmic database can guide you in your foster-to-adopt journey, you're in for a treat! Kanika likens the Akashic Records to a Google Drive for your soul, where you can access everything from past life experiences to insights about your current relationships. She passionately explains that anyone can tap into their records, no special training required—just a willingness to ask for help and an open heart. Rachel shares her own emotional rollercoaster concerning infertility and the profound belief that certain souls are destined to join our families. This leads us to discuss how the Akashic Records can provide clarity and healing for those experiencing the loss of a child or the challenges that come with fostering. Kanika reassures us that we can connect with the souls of children who are meant to be part of our lives, offering a sense of closure and understanding during tough times. The conversation takes a practical turn as Kanika shares actionable insights about using the Akashic Records to navigate parenting challenges, particularly in fostering scenarios where trauma and uncertainty often lurk. The episode wraps up with an emphasis on intention and the power of energy work to create safe spaces for our kids. If you’re looking to deepen your connection with your children and understand the bigger picture of your family's journey, this episode is packed with wisdom and warmth. Get ready to explore the realms of energy healing and the Akashic Records with Kanika Vasudeva!Takeaways:The Akashic Records are like a mystical library storing all the juicy details of your life, including past lives and soul contracts, so anyone can access them to understand their story better.Kanika encourages everyone to give energy work a shot, even if it feels a bit out there—there's zero harm in asking the universe for help when you're feeling stuck or confused.Understanding your soul contracts, especially in the context of fostering and adopting, can provide closure and clarity on your journey—it's all about learning and evolving together.It's crucial to recognize that while life can seem unfair at times, there's often a bigger lesson at play, helping us grow and understand our purpose more deeply.The importance of receiving help can't be overstated; sometimes, you just gotta let go and trust the universe to guide you through tough times.Even kids can benefit from energy work, as it helps them process trauma and feel safer in their environment—it's all about creating that loving, supportive space.Links referenced in this episode:artoflifecenter.comfromfoster2forever.comfoster2foreverpodcast (Instagram)Fostering Families Today Magazine (save 10%)Mentioned in this episode:10% OFF FOSTERING FAMILIES TODAY MAGFostering Families Today is a bi-monthly magazine distributed to foster, kinship and adoptive families across the country offering resources, expert opinions, practical advice and information on the latest evidence-based best practices for supporting children and youth who come from traumatic backgrounds. Use coupon code foster10 to receive 10% off your annual subscription at fosteringfamiliestoday dot com. That's fosteringfamiliestoday dot com. FFT