In part one of two, we explore kind, authoritative parenting for foster and adoptive families, weaving research, faith, and real-life practice into a clear path that balances warmth with firm guidance. Rachel Medefind shares how discipline means training for growth, not punishment, and why community and mindset shape outcomes.

• what authoritative parenting is and is not
• warmth plus discipline as twin levers for growth
• the four parenting styles and long-term outcomes
• why “discipline” equals training, not punishment
• TBRI as a helpful tool within kind authority
• research from Baumrind and Christian Smith
• faith, formation, and limited purpose of authority
• community as a stabilizer for stressed parents
• mindset shifts toward growth and releasing outcomes
• consistency with flexibility in daily practices

Come back next week for part two.

Email sara@havenretreatsinc.org for more information about the upcoming Mom's Retreat.

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In this episode, we explore foster parenting advice and adoption resources through the story of a neighbor's crisis that led to adopting two teens. Mary shares her transition from a career police officer's mindset to trauma-informed parenting, revealing the challenges and rewards of becoming an adoptive family. Listen to how they moved from emergency foster care to adoption, emphasizing foster care advocacy, attachment, and the power of community support and therapy guidance. This episode highlights practical wins and sustainable hope for caregivers navigating the complex journey of foster care and adoption.

In this episode, we cover:
• noticing red flags across the street and stepping in
• compartmentalizing as a cop clashing with trauma needs
• one month of emergency care moving toward TPR
• faith, foster care, and deciding on adoption for teens
• learning attachment, repair, and that 30% is good enough
• releasing outcomes and lowering the pressure cooker
• practical wins with car rides, routines, and apologies
• deep wounds healing slowly and rewards arriving rarely but powerfully
• community support, therapy guidance, and sustainable hope

Subscribe, rate, and share Behind The Curtain to help more families find honest adoption stories

Email sara@havenretreatsinc.org for more information about the upcoming Mom's Retreat.

Follow us on Instagram:

Haven Retreats- https://www.instagram.com/haven.retreats/?hl=en

Behind the Curtain Podcast- https://www.instagram.com/behind.the.curtain_pod/

In this episode of 'Behind the Curtain: Honest Conversations about Foster Care and Adoption,' we explore essential soul care for foster and adoptive caregivers experiencing burnout. We share honest stories of exhaustion, striving, and the simple spiritual practices that help restore strength, encourage rest, and sustain leadership from a full cup. Michael Mitchell guides listeners through breath prayer, welcoming prayer, benevolent detachment, and practical ways to stay present amid caregiving challenges.

Listeners will learn about the Cup Principle and signposts of a thriving soul, ways to honor unique rhythms of receiving, and prayer as a powerful tool for listening and emotional release. Techniques such as breath prayer for quick resets, naming difficult emotions without shame, and benevolent detachment are highlighted as vital foster parenting advice for emotional resilience.

This episode also offers centering prayer practices, practical anchors tailored for busy caregivers and leaders, alongside recommended books and adoption resources designed to support caregivers' sustainable soul care journey. Whether you’re a foster parent, adoptive family member, or caregiver advocate, this conversation provides compassionate support for caregivers navigating the complex world of loving children from hard places.

In this episode, you will find:

• the cup principle and signs of a thriving soul
• rhythms of receiving shaped by your unique wiring
• prayer as listening, silence, and movement
• breath prayer for 30-second resets
• welcoming anger and naming emotions without shame
• benevolent detachment to release what you cannot carry
• centering prayer as a thousand returns to God
• practical anchors for busy caregivers and leaders
• books and resources to build sustainable soul care

Email sara@havenretreatsinc.org for more information about the upcoming Mom's Retreat.