In part two of two, we explore authoritative parenting as a blend of warmth and structure that forms character for the long game. Faith and research meet in practical steps that build trust, align kids with reality, and make the teen years a joy rather than a warning.

• greeting rituals that prioritize presence over logistics
• using fewer words to lower defensiveness and increase responsiveness
• humor as connection that supports timely correction
• creating buffer zones like car rides for debrief not discipline
• aligning kids with reality through natural consequences
• treating lying as a trust issue with repair and restored freedom
• trust as the currency that expands autonomy in teen years
• tailoring authority to readiness, not age, and coaching growth
• why authoritative parenting suits trauma, ADHD, and high-demand needs
• staying in community with schools while resisting over-rescue
• repairing quickly and parenting toward the future adult

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

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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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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, 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/