The Icky Power Dynamics of Mediation

If you’re considering solo motherhood (or even partnered motherhood!) you may be wondering if you can really swing it by yourself. It’s scary! There are so many things to consider before deciding to be a parent — and especially a solo parent. Tune in as I walk you through a framework to evaluate your decision based on financial, logistical, physical and mental considerations.

If you’re navigating a new or suspected ADHD diagnosis for your kiddo, let me throw you a life preserver. Navigating an ADHD diagnosis is a little like fumbling around in the dark — so consider this a tiny flashlight to help you figure out which resources and next steps you might want to consider, from one experienced parent to another. NOTE: I forgot to add step 9: obtain a neuropsychological evaluation. This is the gold standard for diagnosing ADHD and catching other related behavioral and learning diagnosis. This day of testing looks like fun and games to kids and provides you with a detailed report of how they learn and process information. This can be a key to accessing the services you need for your child, so I consider it a “must have” foundational piece.

The bio parent, and the foster parent are on the same team. Let’s talk about how you build that team to be strong and powerful!

Foster well requires a unique selflessness and a lens of service. We are not saviors. This isn’t about us. We are not the heroes of the story — or even the main characters. Check out the list of beliefs and values every foster parent should hold true in order to foster well.

Let’s all take a deep breath before we dive into this potentially hot topic of foster care influencers. How do we share our foster parenting experiences without crossing the line into martyrdom, saviorism or outright exploitation? Let’s talk about it.

Afraid of open adoption? Confused about what it means? Check out this episode to hear all about navigating (and embracing!) an open adoption.

Navigating how to answer that BIG question: “Would you adopt your foster child?” It’s a big leap — emotionally, financially, physically — from answering the call to foster to saying yes to forever. How to understand if you’re called to foster… or to adopt.

Mediation happens when a case plan is changed to adoption and the prospective adoptive parent (often time the foster parent) presents a compelling offer to the bio parents in the hopes they’ll voluntarily give up their parental rights. It’s… kind of icky. And an ethical minefield. And filled with all sorts of unfair power dynamics. Learn about our own mediation experience and what I think of it all now.

Foster care is designed to preserve a family — not break it up. Let’s talk about why it’s not okay to wish for a case to end in adoption and how foster parents can and should support bio parents.

Can you believe it’s almost been a year since the last episode? Find out what happened to baby Olivia, how Makel is doing in college, and what’s new with me and Jack.