Crisis Lifeline: Call/Text 988

National Helpline 1-800-662-4357

Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988 then press 1)

National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE)

Fosterdaddirective@gmail.com

My Podcast Server

https://discord.gg/9MSPwRG4p

In this episode, I explain how I structure the descriptions for both of my podcasts—one focused on parenting and foster parenting, and the other on addiction and personal growth. I intentionally keep the format consistent to make things easier to manage and to ensure the most important information comes first. At the top of every description, I include crisis and support resources because your safety and mental health matter more than any episode topic.

I also walk through the rest of the description layout, including how to contact me, where to send feedback or ideas, how to use timestamps, and why I keep a low-key Patreon as a resource hub rather than a paywall. My goal with both podcasts is to create a supportive, judgment-free space that prioritizes help, honesty, and real conversations—whether you’re a parent, a foster parent, or someone working through addiction or life’s heavier moments.

00:00 — Why This Description Applies to Both Podcasts

00:36 — Focus on Resources & Crisis Support First

00:55 — Encouragement to Seek Help (Mental Health & Crisis)

01:28 — Military, Law Enforcement & Stigma Around Help

02:10 — Reaching Out, Email Support & Community Care

02:35 — Discord Server, Emails & Listener Feedback

03:10 — Episode Descriptions, Timestamps & Navigation

03:56 — Patreon Purpose & Resource Hub Vision

04:32 — Closing Thanks & Ongoing Podcast Goals

My Patreon

https://patreon.com/TheFosterDadDirective?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Crisis Lifeline: Call/Text 988

National Helpline 1-800-662-4357

Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988 then press 1)

National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE)

Fosterdaddirective@gmail.com

My Podcast Server

https://discord.gg/9MSPwRG4p

In this short bonus message, I explain why I created a Patreon for Foster Dad Directive. It’s intentionally kept low-key and tucked at the bottom of each episode, because there’s absolutely no obligation to sign up. The main purpose is to store original, ad-free versions of episodes and to give listeners an optional way to support the podcast if they choose.

Any support goes directly back into improving the podcast and helping families—things like books and resources, parenting classes, training subscriptions, better audio equipment, and occasionally guest interviews. My goal isn’t to make money, but to build a meaningful resource for foster parents and parents in general. Whether you support financially or just listen, I’m grateful you’re here.

00:00 — Patreon Intro & No-Obligation Disclaimer

00:00:30 — Purpose of Patreon (Ad-Free Storage & Support Option)

00:00:47 — Where Support Money Goes (Books, Guests, Resources)

00:01:04 — Planned Uses: Training, Subscriptions, Equipment, Kids

00:01:38 — Closing Thanks & Vision for the Podcast

My Patreon

https://patreon.com/TheFosterDadDirective?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Crisis Lifeline: Call/Text 988

National Helpline 1-800-662-4357

Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988 then press 1)

National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE)

Fosterdaddirective@gmail.com

My Podcast Server

https://discord.gg/9MSPwRG4p

In this episode of Foster Dad Directive, I talk about grief and bereavement resources, drawing from my own experiences over the last few years—losing family members, pets, and foster children, along with the quieter grief that comes from life changes like sobriety and shifting responsibilities. I share a Michigan-based resource, MI211.org/grief, which offers a wide range of support options including grief counseling, hospice services, burial resources, veteran services, crisis lines, and support groups. If you’re outside Michigan, I encourage you to look up similar resources in your own state.

I also talk about the importance of finding support that actually fits your life—whether that’s therapy, peer groups, community support, or simply having someone to talk to who understands your experiences. No single resource works for everyone, and it’s okay to try different options. I invite listeners to share resources that have helped them, because even a small suggestion could make a huge difference for someone else. If you’re struggling right now, please know you’re not alone, help is available, and your life truly matters.

00:00 — Intro: Grief, Bereavement & Why This Episode Matters

00:26 — Loss Through Fostering, Family & Life Changes

00:51 — Michigan Grief Resources (mi211.org) Overview

01:33 — Therapy, Support Groups & Where to Start

02:12 — Finding the Right Help & Limits of One Therapist

02:30 — Sharing Resources to Help Others

03:13 — Listener Call-In, Crisis Resources & Closing Support

My Patreon

https://patreon.com/TheFosterDadDirective?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Crisis Lifeline: Call/Text 988

National Helpline 1-800-662-4357

Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988 then press 1)

National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE)

Fosterdaddirective@gmail.com

My Podcast Server

https://discord.gg/9MSPwRG4p

In this episode, I talk about jealousy between foster siblings and how it shows up in real foster and blended family homes. I explain why jealousy is so common—especially when kids come from different backgrounds, trauma histories, and attachment experiences—and how it can surface as withdrawal, frustration, acting out, or even requests to leave the home. I also share how shifts in household dynamics can intensify feelings of insecurity or replacement for other children already in care.

I then walk through practical strategies for reducing sibling jealousy, including staying calm, recognizing that every child’s needs are different, spending one-on-one time with each child, planning flexible routines, listening honestly to complaints, making special efforts to honor each child’s culture and interests, asking for help, not forcing emotional disclosure, using games and shared activities to build connection, rewarding positive adjustments, and intentionally bonding as a family. I share real examples of what worked, what didn’t, and moments I wish I could redo, while emphasizing that foster parents can do everything “right” and still face outcomes beyond their control. Ultimately, this episode is about showing kids they aren’t being replaced, building trust over time, and giving yourself grace as a foster parent—because jealousy doesn’t mean failure, it means kids are trying to feel safe in a world that has rarely felt stable for them.

In this episode, I talk about jealousy between foster siblings and how it shows up in real foster and blended family homes. I explain why jealousy is so common—especially when kids come from different backgrounds, trauma histories, and attachment experiences—and how it can surface as withdrawal, frustration, acting out, or even requests to leave the home. I reference two articles I used as guides, primarily one from Wockhardt Hospital and another from Agape Adoption Agency, and I reflect on how their advice connects to situations we’ve experienced firsthand. I also share personal updates about welcoming two high-energy girls into our home, the emotional impact of losing a toddler placement, and how shifts in household dynamics can intensify feelings of insecurity or replacement for other children already in care.

I share real examples of what worked, what didn’t, and moments I wish I could redo, while emphasizing that foster parents can do everything “right” and still face outcomes beyond their control. Ultimately, this episode is about showing kids they aren’t being replaced, building trust over time, and giving yourself grace as a foster parent—because jealousy doesn’t mean failure, it means kids are trying to feel safe in a world that has rarely felt stable for them.

00:00 — Intro, Podcast Direction & Topic Overview

00:21 — Jealousy Between Foster Siblings Explained

01:16 — Sources Used & Why Jealousy Happens

02:48 — New Placements, Household Changes & Emotional Impact

04:25 — Too Many Placements Too Fast & Real-World Examples

06:43 — Staying Calm & Emotional Regulation as a Parent

09:28 — Individual Time, Planning & Listening to Each Child

12:27 — Making Special Efforts & Cultural Sensitivity

15:23 — Support Systems, Family Help & Emotional Safety

18:01 — Games, Rewards, Bonding & Final Takeaways

My Patreon

https://patreon.com/TheFosterDadDirective?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Crisis Lifeline: Call/Text 988

National Helpline 1-800-662-4357

Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988 then press 1)

National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE)

https://discord.gg/9MSPwRG4p

Fosterdaddirective@gmail.com

In this episode of The Foster Dad Directive, I focus on the importance of healthy self-care, especially for foster parents and caregivers who live under constant stress. Using the Scottsdale Recovery framework, I walk through eight core types of self-care: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, environmental, social, and financial. I share how I’ve personally struggled with burnout from years of poor sleep, fast food, long shifts, and nonstop responsibilities, and how I’ve recently begun rebuilding my health through exercise, home-cooked meals, better sleep habits, and cutting back on things that hurt my energy and recovery. I talk honestly about weight gain, exhaustion, caffeine and alcohol use, and how even small changes—like short daily workouts and better food choices—have already started improving my energy and stress levels.

I also open up about the emotional and mental side of self-care, including journaling, therapy, mindfulness, and learning to slow down before reacting—especially as a foster parent dealing with teens and trauma. I explain how spiritual purpose, intellectual growth through reading and learning, environmental improvements at home and in my yard, stronger social connections with family, and better financial planning have all played a role in helping me stabilize my life. Above all, I emphasize that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary for survival, for our families, and for the kids we care for. I remind listeners that you don’t need money or perfection to take care of yourself, only intention, consistency, and the willingness to slow down. I close by encouraging foster parents to protect their own well-being so they can continue showing up for others with a clear mind and a full heart.

00:00 — Episode Introduction & Purpose of Self-Care

Healthy self-care vs. unhealthy coping.

01:38 — The 8 Types of Self-Care Overview

Physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, environmental, social, financial.

02:07 — Physical Self-Care

Exercise, sleep, diet, weight loss, reducing fast food and caffeine.

05:03 — Mental Self-Care

Mindfulness, meditation, stress management, therapy challenges.

06:44 — Emotional Self-Care

Journaling, emotional awareness, Reset Method insights.

07:49 — Spiritual Self-Care

Values, purpose, volunteering, AA perspective on higher power.

09:09 — Intellectual Self-Care

Reading, learning, podcasts, creativity, staying mentally sharp.

10:44 — Environmental Self-Care

Gardening, decluttering, home organization, improving living space.

12:28 — Social Self-Care

Family relationships, connection, isolation, quality time.

14:29 — Financial Self-Care & Final Reflections

Budgeting, debt, emergency savings, long-term stability.

Crisis Lifeline: Call/Text 988

National Helpline 1-800-662-4357

Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988 then press 1)

National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE)

https://discord.gg/9MSPwRG4p

In this episode of The Foster Dad Directive, I break down the different permanency goals in foster care—reunification, adoption, guardianship, and independent living—and explain how these goals can shift quickly based on court decisions and family progress. I share how, in Michigan, most children enter care with reunification as the primary goal, meaning foster parents are tasked with providing daily care while also supporting family visits, medical needs, school enrollment, and stability during an incredibly chaotic time. I talk openly about how strongly I believe in children being with their families when it is truly in their best interest, but also why there comes a point where a child’s safety and long-term well-being must matter more than maintaining biological ties. Drawing from personal experience, I explain how long children can be kept in limbo before parental rights are considered for termination and how emotionally difficult that waiting period can be for everyone involved—especially the child.

I also walk through what happens when reunification is no longer possible and cases move toward adoption, guardianship, or independent living. I explain how adoption from foster care works, the legal rights it provides, and the realities of adopting children who often carry deep trauma from years in the system. I compare that with foster guardianship, which allows caregivers to take on full parental responsibility without terminating biological parental rights, and independent living, where older teens are prepared for adulthood through life-skills programs, budgeting, education, and job support. I share how several of our placements have moved through these different paths, including youths who aged out of the system, and how heartbreaking that process can be. I close by reflecting on how complex and fragile each permanency outcome truly is, especially for teens navigating identity, trauma, and major life transitions, and I invite listeners to share their experiences while reminding them they are not alone in this process.

00:00 — Introduction & Episode Focus

Overview of foster care permanency goals: reunification, adoption, guardianship, and independent living.

01:09 — Personal Update & Emotional Context

Grandfather’s passing, infant leaving, and why this topic was chosen for this episode.

01:59 — Foster Care & Reunification Explained

State wardship, legal limitations, and the foster parent’s role in reunification.

03:49 — Child’s Best Interest vs. Family Rights

When reunification may no longer be the safest option.

05:09 — Termination of Parental Rights Timeline

Michigan’s 15-month guideline and why kids shouldn’t stay in limbo.

06:37 — Adoption Through Foster Care

MER (Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange), trauma background, and legal changes after adoption.

09:32 — Foster Guardianship Defined

How guardianship works and how it differs from adoption.

11:11 — Independent Living & Aging Out

Budgeting, stipends, responsibilities, and youth independence.

12:32 — MYOI Program & Life Skills Training

Education, job skills, savings programs, and long-term support.

15:47 — Current Placement & Closing Reflections

Uncertain outcome, transgender youth challenges, and community invitation.

Crisis Lifeline: Call/Text 988

National Helpline 1-800-662-4357

Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988 then press 1)

National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE)

Fosterdaddirective@gmail.com

My Podcast Server

https://discord.gg/9MSPwRG4p

In this episode of The Foster Dad Directive, I walk through Michigan Compiled Law 722.958a, also known as the Foster Parent Bill of Rights, and explain what it means in real-world terms based on everything we’ve personally experienced. I break down the rights foster parents are supposed to have—being treated with dignity and respect, receiving full information about placements, getting proper training and support, being reimbursed on time, and being included in case planning and court proceedings. I also give personal updates about the continued grief of losing the baby placement, the recent passing of my grandfather, and the emotional toll that’s been weighing on me while trying to stay consistent with the podcast and advocacy work.

I then compare what the law promises with what we actually lived through, including lack of proper disclosures before placements, failures in training and support, delayed or missing mileage reimbursement, weak investigations into false complaints, and minimal assistance when children were suddenly removed from our home. I share how these breakdowns contributed to burnout, resentment toward the agency, and the feeling of being unsupported despite the legal protections that are supposedly in place. I also touch on grievance procedures, the role of the Child Advocate, and the limitations of legal remedies under the law, while being honest about how exhausting and discouraging it feels to keep fighting for accountability. This episode reflects both an explanation of foster parent rights and a raw look at how difficult it is when those rights aren’t meaningfully enforced.

00:00 — Intro, MCL 722.958a & Why It Matters

01:00 — Updates: Baby Gone, Email to Governor, Grandfather’s Passing

02:07 — What the Foster Parents Bill of Rights Covers

03:36 — Dignity, Respect, Trust & Agency Failures

06:52 — Civil Rights, Confidentiality & Written Evaluations

09:09 — Required Training, Support & Respite

11:03 — Lack of Grief & Family Loss Support

13:08 — Financial Reimbursement, Mileage & Investigations

17:01 — Placement Info Withheld & Emergency Removals

24:11 — Grievance Process, Legal Remedies & Closing Thoughts

My Patreon

https://patreon.com/TheFosterDadDirective?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink