UnProfessional Parenting 1.16 // MOVIE REVIEW - Instant Family—Hollywood Gets (Some of) It Right?
In this episode, we dive into the heartwarming (and sometimes hilariously chaotic) movie, Instant Family. With its blend of humor and heavy truths, the film attempts to capture the real-life messiness of foster care and adoption. But how accurate is it? We break down what the movie gets right, what it misses, and how it hit us right in the feels. Whether you’re a seasoned foster parent or just love a good family film, join us as we laugh, cry, and maybe even cringe a little. Spoiler alert: it’s not all sunshine and inspirational montages.
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30:29
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30:29
UnProfessional Parenting 1.15 // The Power of No: Boundaries, Burnout, and Saying No in Foster Care
In this episode of Unprofessional Parenting, we dive into one of the toughest and most misunderstood aspects of foster care—saying no. Whether it's declining a placement that doesn’t align with your family's capacity or recognizing when you're approaching burnout, learning to say "no" can actually be one of the most loving, responsible things you do. We talk about the guilt, the pressure, and the reality of navigating foster care with healthy boundaries. If you've ever wondered when it's okay to say no—or how to recover when you're running on empty—this episode is for you.
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28:26
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28:26
UnProfessional Parenting 1.14 // Character Over Behavior
In a world quick to reward obedience and punish misbehavior, it’s easy to fall into the trap of behavior management. But what if our goal as parents isn’t just to raise well-behaved kids—but kids with deep character? In this episode, we unpack the difference between controlling behavior and shaping hearts. We’ll explore practical ways to raise children who live with integrity, empathy, and conviction—not just when we’re watching, but when we’re not.
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27:15
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27:15
UnProfessional Parenting 1.13 // Defining Your "WHY"
Foster care is more than a calling—it’s a commitment. But before stepping into this life-changing journey, it's crucial to understand your why. In this episode, we unpack the heart behind fostering: What’s driving you? Compassion? Guilt? Faith? Personal experience? We’ll explore how identifying your true motivation can sustain you through the highs and lows, shape the way you care for children, and keep you anchored in purpose when things get tough. Whether you're already fostering, considering it, or supporting others who do—this conversation is for you.
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27:12
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27:12
UnProfessional Parenting 1.12 // Reframing Wins as Foster Parents
In this episode of the Unprofessional Parenting Podcast, we dive into the powerful mindset shift of reframing what "winning" looks like as a foster parent. Traditional parenting milestones don’t always apply in the world of foster care—and that’s okay. We talk about finding joy in the small moments, celebrating progress over perfection, and embracing emotional wins that often go unseen. Whether it's a child opening up emotionally, or simply making it through a tough day—these are the victories that matter. Join us as we unpack how letting go of unrealistic expectations can actually make space for deeper connection and real growth.
Let's face it, there is NO SUCH THING as a professional parent! We may think we have the right answers to every parenting situation, but in reality, we tend to make things up as we go along.
This is a place to hear real talk about raising kids (without the expert advice).