Epi 53: Fostering Children Home with Laura (@Foster.Parenting)

We so often speak about purpose in terms of finding it, the tools we need, and how to know when we are on our destined path, but what we don’t talk about enough are the small, seemingly insignificant moments that speak to us and have the power to create our life revolution.

This week we’re talking about purpose, the power of social media, and what it means to be a parent with Laura from Foster.Parenting. Every parent and child has struggled at one point another, and when that happens, we often seek resources to assist and empower ourselves.

If you have logged onto Tik Tok or Instagram in the last year, you’ve likely stumbled across one of Laura’s videos where she offers such resources to parents around the globe, especially those who are foster parents. What started as a way to fill the gap of resources during the pandemic has turned into a global advocate platform for foster children, parents no matter birth, adopted, or fostering, a place for teachers to learn about trauma outside of the classroom, as well as a way to show up for the children in our communities and homes.

For the first time, a face and voice that millions have watched, fallen in love with, and followed shares her personal story, her why, and her deep desires for the children in her personal care and yours.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction

03:00 Laura’s purpose begins as a teenager when a Christmas Special opens her eyes to a world she was unfamiliar with

07:09 Laura’s views on family and not needing a traditional or specific definition

08:20  A glimpse into the process of fostering a child home

10:18 Emotional regulation as a foster parent and the importance of emotional balance as a parent in any capacity

12:09 All parenting comes with struggles. Taking on what works for you

13:33 Why leading with kindness and compassion is essential in all situations

14:29 Laura’s motto is the perfect guideline for a balanced day

15:13 The biggest challenges Laura has faced and a brief view of the foster care system

17:50 Attachment is necessary and a new perspective of how all children are fostered in their growth regardless of their home life and situation

19:51 Giving yourself permission to change and grow while giving your desires a try

21:05 How Laura has been impacted by fostering and the good she has seen    

24:20 How a servant’s heart has elevated Laura’s purpose

26:16 Witnessing and learning from the cycles of addiction, mental health, homelessness, etc. How this impacts every community, the children within it, and what we must do to create a safe space

30:07 You don’t need to be an expert to have compassion, lead, or be willing to serve and learn

35:16 Not every child returns home. A deeper understanding of how this works and how to create support

41:36 How Laura’s platform was created and the why behind it

47:35 What is happening in every community and how children are being impacted

51:10 Laura’s best tips for parenting

54:49 What Laura wants you to know about foster parents

55:51 Where you can learn, follow and support this mission

58:14 Laura’s three things

A few essential takeaways Laura shared are that each of us has a purpose, the ability to serve when we stay present, and we all have the power to make an impact. Yet, in the end, all we have is today, and we must live in these moments and give all that we can to make this day the best it can be. This is true not only for ourselves but also for those who need our support, love, and ability to see them in their most significant moments of need.

If you would like to dive deeper into foster parenting or learn more from Laura’s vast resources for parents, you can visit her website at www.fosterparentpartner.com or follow her on TikTok and Instagram @foster.parenting.

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Still, looking for more? Visit: www.getyourlifetogethergirl.com, where you will find the Get Your Life Together, Girl blog. Until next time…be kind to yourself and others.