Single, Fostering and Figuring it Out: One Foster Mom's Journey into the Unknown

Behind the Curtain: Honest Conversations about Foster Care and Adoption

Kate shares her journey from teacher to single foster parent, reflecting on the profound identity shift that occurs the moment a child enters your home and the unique challenges of navigating the system alone.
• Background in early childhood and special education creating a strong foundation for advocacy
• Building a house with kids in mind before even being licensed
• The exact moment of becoming a mother at 11:23pm on June 29, 2023
• Navigating the overwhelming initial days of placement with no preparation
• The tremendous mental load of single parenting while managing the foster care system
• Creating community support networks for foster families
• Starting a nonprofit to connect those who want to help with foster families in need
• The critical importance of utilizing respite care for sustainability
• Finding balance between the peaceful single life and the chaos of fostering
• The uncertainty that comes with foster care and learning to embrace it
Use respite care regularly - it's not just good for you but beneficial for the kids to see other safe adults and different family dynamics.

فصول

1. Meeting Kate: Single Foster Mom Journey (00:00:00)

2. From Teacher to Foster Care Calling (00:05:22)

3. First Placement: Motherhood Begins (00:10:06)

4. Mental Load of Single Fostering (00:17:43)

5. Family Support and Community Building (00:22:51)

6. Navigating Uncertainty and Finding Balance (00:30:05)

7. Lightning Round: Joy and Self-Care (00:36:00)