In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Barlow, a parent trainer and wellness coach who specializes in supporting foster and adoptive parents. Nicole shares her personal journey through foster care and adoption, and introduces us to the WELL framework for maintaining physical, mental, and spiritual health while parenting children with special needs.

Episode Blog Post: https://speakinglife.co/well-framework-self-care-strategies-for-special-needs-foster-parents-christian-parenting-tips/

Key Takeaways

1. Wellness strategies must be adapted for parents dealing with trauma
2. Physical health directly impacts our ability to parent effectively
3. Self-care isn't selfish - it's necessary for sustainable parenting
4. Creating routines and rhythms is essential for family stability
5. Community support is crucial for foster and adoptive parents

Resources Mentioned

• Nicole's Podcast: Foster Parent Well
• Six-week group coaching program for foster/adoptive parents
• Bible App for audio scripture during difficult moments

Connect with Nicole

• Instagram: @fosterwellnesscoach
• Instagram: @NicoleTBarlow
• Podcast: Foster Parent Well
• 6 Week Wellness Coaching: https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=nicolebarlow

Send us a text

Are you looking for natural ways to support your family's wellness while reducing toxins in your home? As a mama who's passionate about creating a healthier environment for my children, I've discovered that essential oils can be powerful allies in our wellness journey.

Ready to take a simple step toward a healthier, more affordable home? Visit my.doterra.com/speakinglife to get 25% off retail prices & access my favorite essential oil recipes and recommendations!

While you're here, please leave a quick rating or review! I pray this episode blesses you! Remember, you don't just have to survive mama- you can thrive!

Connect with the host: Elyse Scheeler

• Subscribe: Speaking Life Into Motherhood
• Website: www.speakinglife.co/motherhood
• Email: hello@speakinglife.co
• Facebook Group: Speaking Life Into Motherhood
• Email Newsletter: https://speaking-life.kit.com/979fe54bb0
• Essential Oils: my.doterra.com/speakinglife

Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Speaking Life Into Motherhood. None of the advice or discussion on the podcast is medical advice.

In this episode, we sit down with Lucy Martin, a licensed therapist, certified relationship coach, and homeschool mom of five. Lucy shares her personal journey and professional insights on maintaining a strong marriage while parenting children with special needs.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Navigating marriage dynamics when parenting neurodivergent children
• Understanding and practicing biblical submission in modern marriages
• The importance of maintaining personal identity and self-care as a mom
• Practical strategies for showing respect in marriage
• How to communicate effectively with your spouse during challenging times
• Shifting from deficit-focused thinking to strength-based perspectives
• The power of positive affirmation in marriage and parenting

Connect with the guest: Lucy Martin

• Website: EasyBiblicalMarriage.com
• Podcast: Easy Biblical Marriage Podcast
• Facebook Group: Easy Biblical Marriage
• Instagram: @easybiblicalmarriage

Send us a text

Are you looking for natural ways to support your family's wellness while reducing toxins in your home? As a mama who's passionate about creating a healthier environment for my children, I've discovered that essential oils can be powerful allies in our wellness journey.

Ready to take a simple step toward a healthier, more affordable home? Visit my.doterra.com/speakinglife to get 25% off retail prices & access my favorite essential oil recipes and recommendations!

While you're here, please leave a quick rating or review! I pray this episode blesses you! Remember, you don't just have to survive mama- you can thrive!

Connect with the host: Elyse Scheeler

• Subscribe: Speaking Life Into Motherhood
• Website: www.speakinglife.co/motherhood
• Email: hello@speakinglife.co
• Facebook Group: Speaking Life Into Motherhood
• Email Newsletter: https://speaking-life.kit.com/979fe54bb0
• Essential Oils: my.doterra.com/speakinglife

Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Speaking Life Into Motherhood. None of the advice or discussion on the podcast is medical advice.

In this episode, parent coach Jamie Kirkbride shares her powerful CARE framework for helping overwhelmed parents, especially those raising children with additional needs. Jamie, a mother of seven and former counselor, breaks down practical strategies for self-care through Compassion, Adjusting commitments, Recharging intentionally, and Evaluating what works. She offers faith-based insights for managing daily challenges and shares personal experiences from her journey parenting a child with ADHD and mood disorders. Learn practical tools for validating your child's emotions, delegating responsibilities, and modeling healthy self-care. Plus, discover how to help others better understand and support your child's unique needs.

Episode Blog Post:

C - Compassion How often do we extend grace to our friends but struggle to give ourselves the same kindness? Jamie suggested writing a letter to yourself from God's perspective - what would He say about your struggles and efforts?

A - Adjust This is where we get practical about our schedules and commitments. It's about being a wise steward of what God has given us - not just our money, but our energy, time, and emotional resources too. Sometimes the most loving thing we can do for our families is to take something off our plates.

R - Recharge I love how Jamie emphasized that basic hygiene isn't self-care! We talked about the importance of identifying what truly recharges us - from small daily practices like starting the day with worship music to bigger dreams like that vacation in Jamaica (someday!). The key is being intentional about planning these moments, no matter how small.

E - Evaluate This final step is crucial but often overlooked. It's about honestly assessing what's working and what isn't, then making adjustments accordingly. Through prayer and reflection, we can better understand our needs and triggers.

Connect with the guest: Jamie Kirkbride

• Website: www.parentingwithpersonality.com
• Podcast:

Send us a text

Are you looking for natural ways to support your family's wellness while reducing toxins in your home? As a mama who's passionate about creating a healthier environment for my children, I've discovered that essential oils can be powerful allies in our wellness journey.

Ready to take a simple step toward a healthier, more affordable home? Visit my.doterra.com/speakinglife to get 25% off retail prices & access my favorite essential oil recipes and recommendations!

While you're here, please leave a quick rating or review! I pray this episode blesses you! Remember, you don't just have to survive mama- you can thrive!

Connect with the host: Elyse Scheeler

• Subscribe: Speaking Life Into Motherhood
• Website: www.speakinglife.co/motherhood
• Email: hello@speakinglife.co
• Facebook Group: Speaking Life Into Motherhood
• Email Newsletter: https://speaking-life.kit.com/979fe54bb0
• Essential Oils: my.doterra.com/speakinglife

Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Speaking Life Into Motherhood. None of the advice or discussion on the podcast is medical advice.