Our Adoption Story: Foster Care, Private Open Adoption, and Blending a Family

The debate around education is everywhere right now. With so many families championing a return to public school so children can "face adversity," we decided it was time to sit down and share our honest thoughts on the modern education system. In this episode, we explore the pros, cons, and missing elements of both traditional and alternative education. We discuss why the current school model often fails to teach practical life skills, like financial intelligence, and how the pressure to follow a traditional path can sometimes feel like a race to nowhere. We also talk about the influence of standardized testing and why learning should be about true understanding rather than just memorizing dates for a test. Most importantly, we dive into the one non-negotiable factor that matters more than any curriculum or classroom setting. Whether you choose public school, private school, micro-schools, or homeschooling, we discuss exactly how to ensure you remain the loudest, most influential voice in your child's head. Episode Highlights: 0:00 The current debate around public school versus alternative education. 0:55 Are traditional education models antiquated? 2:25 The practical life skills missing from the classroom. 6:20 What happens when you step outside the traditional education path. 8:20 Breaking down the college stigma and the corporate ladder. 11:19 Who is really prioritizing the students in the current system? 15:16 Overcoming the fear of choosing an alternative education route. 17:04 The ultimate rule for parents: Be the loudest voice in your child's life. 20:39 True learning versus rote memorization. Join the 18 Summers Family! We are talking all things family, parenting, and living intentionally. If you found this episode thought-provoking, please tap the follow button and leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Your reviews truly help other families find our community.

There is not just one path to growing a family. In this episode of 18 Summers, we sit down to share our honest, firsthand experiences with the different types of adoption. From navigating the uncertain and beautiful mess of foster care to pursuing a private open adoption and completing a step-parent adoption, we are laying it all out there. We discuss how we built a standout adoption profile, the reality of unwrapping the "unknown present" of unexpected medical needs, and the importance of setting healthy boundaries. We also tackle a deeply frustrating comment that blended and adoptive families hear far too often: "Just wait until you have your own kids." Whether you are actively considering adoption, curious about the process, or navigating a blended family of your own, we hope our story offers clarity and encouragement for your journey. Episode Highlights: 0:00 The Different Paths to Growing a Family 0:32 Our Honest Experience with Foster to Adopt 2:45 The Hard Decision to Stop Fostering 5:16 Pivoting to Private Adoption 7:23 How We Built a Profile That Stood Out 9:30 Proactive Steps to Speed Up the Waiting Process 11:20 Unwrapping an "Unknown Present" (Navigating Medical Needs) 14:05 Open vs. Closed Adoption Explained 16:53 Setting Healthy Boundaries in Open Adoption 18:53 Why Adoption is Not a Charity Project 21:23 Step-Parent Adoption and Blending Families 23:45 Dealing with the "Have Your Own Kids" Comment 26:10 Final Words of Wisdom for Prospective Parents Join the 18 Summers Family! We are talking all things adoption, family, and life. If you found this episode helpful or relatable, please tap the follow button and leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! It is the absolute best way to help other families find our community.

Is the goal of parenting to keep our children happy? While it sounds like a noble objective, prioritizing constant happiness might actually be doing more harm than good. In this episode, we dive into the "happiness trap" and explore why a range of emotions, including disappointment and sadness is essential for a child's development. We break down the danger of over-scheduling, the necessity of failure, and why treating your children "equally" might actually be unfair. We discuss: The Happiness Myth: Why setting a benchmark for constant happiness puts immense pressure on children and makes them feel like something is wrong when they feel down. Failing Forward: How protecting kids from failure creates weak adults, and why risk-management is a vital life skill. The Fairness Trap: Why "equal treatment" isn't always the goal and how to navigate different needs among siblings without the guilt. The Gift of Boredom: The cultural obsession with "busy" kids and why an over-scheduled child misses out on creativity and self-regulation. Favoritism vs. Support: Redefining "favorites" as simply giving your "biggest light" to the child who needs it most in the moment. Join us as we question these common parenting beliefs and shift the focus from raising "happy" kids to raising resilient, prepared, and emotionally intelligent human beings.

Imagine walking past your teen's room and hearing them talk… but it's not to a friend. It's to AI. AI is not stealing our kids' relationships. It's doing something more subtle. It's making it easier to avoid building them. In this episode, Jamie and Jim tackle one of the biggest parenting questions of the last year: how do we guide our kids in a world where AI is always available, always responsive, and never judging? They explore the real danger, not the tool itself, but emotional outsourcing, intimacy without risk, and replacing uncomfortable growth with instant feedback. AI can be powerful. It can be useful. But it cannot replace human connection, discernment, and real conversation. If you are raising kids in today's digital world, this is a conversation you cannot ignore. Key takeaways to listen for Why AI feels like the "perfect friend" for teens The risk of emotional outsourcing and intimacy without vulnerability How constant feedback prevents real integration and growth Why garbage in, garbage out matters more than ever The importance of keeping humans as the first line of support How to set healthy boundaries around nighttime tech use Why discernment from a parent can never be replaced by a machine Resources Start by setting clear tech boundaries in your home. Keep phones out of bedrooms at night. Create tech-free spaces for connection. Have open conversations about how AI works and what it can and cannot provide. To learn more about building stronger connection inside your family, visit www.18summers.com and explore tools designed to help you lead your home with intention. About Jamie & Jim Sheils Jamie and Jim Sheils are the founders of 18 Summers, a movement dedicated to helping families build stronger relationships in a rapidly changing world. As parents of five, they focus on emotional intelligence, communication, and family culture. Through retreats, books, and honest conversations, they equip parents to stay connected to their kids even as technology evolves. Connect with Us Website: www.18summers.com Email: [email protected] Get a copy of "The Family Board Meeting" to learn how to create intentional rituals that strengthen trust and communication at home. Subscribe to the 18 Summers Podcast and leave a rating and written review to help more parents navigate AI and parenting with clarity and confidence.

Blending a family is not magical at first. It's two entire worlds trying to share one kitchen, one routine, and one emotional landscape. In this episode, Jamie and Jim break down the biggest mistake blended families make: trying to force the "we're one big happy family now" moment. They share the simple framework from The Family Board Meeting that helped them build trust, safety, and belonging inside their home. Blending does not happen through pressure. It happens through consistency, presence, and courage. If you're navigating step-parenting, adoption, or remarriage, this conversation will give you a grounded starting point. Key takeaways to listen for Why forcing connection actually delays bonding The power of intentional one-on-one time How tech distraction quietly damages trust Why the parent must go first in vulnerability The importance of never speaking poorly about other parental counterparts How 4 to 6 weeks of consistency can shift the entire home dynamic Resources Want practical tools for building trust and communication in your home? Grab a copy of "The Family Board Meeting" and start implementing the three simple pillars discussed in this episode. Visit www.18summers.com to explore more family leadership tools and conversations. About Jamie & Jim Sheils Jamie and Jim Sheils are the founders of 18 Summers and co-authors of The Family Board Meeting. As parents of five in a blended family, they've walked the challenges of step-parenting, adoption, and remarriage firsthand. Through books, retreats, and honest conversations, they equip families to build trust, deepen connection, and lead their homes with intention. Connect with Us Website: www.18summers.com Email: [email protected] Subscribe to the 18 Summers Podcast and leave a rating and written review to help more blended families build strong foundations.

Family trips are supposed to be magical. So why do they sometimes feel messy, chaotic, and completely exhausting? In this episode, Jamie and Jim unpack the real reasons parents avoid traveling with their kids. From schedule disruptions and budget fears to airport meltdowns and unexpected emergencies, they share honest stories from years of traveling as a growing family of seven. The truth? Travel is rarely perfect. But it builds something far more valuable than comfort. It builds culture, resilience, perspective, and shared stories that shape your family for life. If you've ever wondered whether the stress is worth it, this conversation will change how you see family adventure. Key takeaways to listen for Why "too stressful" is often just unmanaged expectations How messy travel moments become the most powerful memories Why kids remember more than you think The real cost of waiting until life feels convenient How to create buy-in so everyone feels invested in the adventure Why nothing is an emergency unless it's truly an emergency Resources Start small. Travel does not have to be international or expensive. A local road trip, camping weekend, or even a day adventure can create powerful family bonding moments. Want to be intentional about how you build your family culture? Visit www.18summers.com to explore tools that help you lead your home with purpose. About Jamie & Jim Sheils Jamie and Jim Sheils are the founders of 18 Summers, a movement focused on helping families create deeper connection and stronger culture. As parents of five, they've built a family life centered around adventure, intentionality, and shared growth. Through retreats, books, and honest conversations, they equip parents to prioritize what truly matters before the 18 summers fly by. Connect with Us Website: www.18summers.com Email: [email protected] Grab a copy of "The Family Board Meeting" to learn how to create simple rituals that strengthen communication and connection inside your home. Subscribe to the 18 Summers Podcast and leave a rating and written review to help more families choose connection over convenience.

Thinking about adoption? There are beautiful moments ahead, but there are also myths, pressure, and realities most people never talk about. In this deeply personal episode, Jamie and Jim Sheils share their own adoption journey as a blended family of five children, including adoption at birth and adoption at older ages. They break down the misconceptions, emotional pressures, bonding challenges, and hard conversations every couple needs to have before starting the process. Adoption is not a rescue mission. It is not a shortcut. It is a sacred commitment that requires alignment, preparation, boundaries, and honesty. If you are considering adoption, or know someone who is, this episode is essential listening. Key takeaways to listen for The biggest myths about adoption that create unnecessary pressure Why adoption must be two clear yeses from both partners How trauma, identity, and trust shape the bonding process Why love alone is not enough and what preparation really means The importance of boundaries in open and closed adoption What real attachment looks like and why it takes time Resources If adoption is on your heart, begin by educating yourself on trauma-informed parenting and attachment. Join adoptive and foster support groups, read widely, and connect with families who have walked this path before you. To explore more conversations on intentional parenting and family leadership, visit www.18summers.com . About Jamie & Jim Sheils Jamie and Jim Sheils are the founders of 18 Summers, a movement dedicated to helping families build stronger connections and raise confident, capable kids. As parents who have experienced blended family life, adoption, foster care, and biological parenting, they share honest conversations rooted in real experience. Their work centers on strengthening family culture, developing emotional intelligence, and preparing parents for the responsibilities that truly shape a child's life. Connect with Us Website: www.18summers.com Email: [email protected] Get a copy of our book "The Family Board Meeting" to learn how to build intentional rituals that strengthen your family bond. Subscribe to the 18 Summers Podcast and leave a rating and written review to help more families navigate adoption and parenting with clarity and confidence.

Is school actually preparing your kids for real life… or just teaching them how to pass tests? In this episode, Jamie and Jim Sheils unpack the uncomfortable truth about modern education and why some of the most important life skills are never taught in a classroom. From emotional intelligence to financial literacy, they share the three core areas every child needs to thrive personally and professionally and how you can start teaching them at home right now. Key takeaways to listen for The three life skills schools ignore that shape long-term success Why discipline is overrated and devotion is the real driver of mastery How emotional intelligence protects your kids from avoidable struggle A simple family book strategy that builds wisdom and connection Why high grades do not guarantee financial confidence or strong relationships Resources Want to equip your kids with the tools school skips? Start by reading one book together in one of these three areas: personal development, relationship skills, or financial intelligence. Even one shared book can radically shift your family conversations and awareness. To learn more about building intentional family culture, visit www.18summers.com  and explore our resources designed to help families lead with purpose. About Jamie & Jim Sheils Jamie and Jim Sheils are the founders of 18 Summers, a movement dedicated to helping families raise confident, connected, and capable kids. Through live events, retreats, books, and conversations with world-class thinkers, they focus on what truly prepares children for life beyond school. Their work centers on strengthening family relationships, developing emotional intelligence, and building financial confidence from an early age. As parents who have walked this path themselves, they share what has worked in their own home and in the lives of thousands of families they've mentored. Connect with Us Website: www.18summers.com Email: [email protected] Get a copy of our book "The Family Board Meeting" to learn how to create powerful weekly rituals that build trust and leadership inside your home. Subscribe to the 18 Summers Podcast and leave a rating and written review to help more families rethink education and raise kids who are ready for real life.

Want a family that thrives, not just survives? Lee Benson breaks down his game-changing formula to turn everyday moments into lasting bonds. Tune in to learn how intentional dinners, distraction-free hangouts, and simple rituals can transform your household into a powerhouse of love, growth, and community.   Key takeaways to listen for Practical strategies for setting family goals and assigning meaningful roles The surprising influence of music and emotional energy on family and business success Growing impactful communities: from personal passion to global influence How to eliminate distractions to maximize meaningful family interactions Real-life transformations through the Dinner Table Method   ResourcesJoin a community of like-minded families who are equipping their kids with real-world skills at https://community.dinnertable.com/. Start with the FREE community, then explore the Family Elite options—virtual or in-person. Ready to level up? Use code "SHIELDS" for a discount when joining the paid communities!   About Lee BensonLee Benson is a best-selling author, keynote speaker, and the Founder and CEO of Execute to Win (ETW) and Dinner Table. With over 30 years of business experience, Lee has dedicated his career to one core mission: creating value. From his humble beginnings pulling weeds for 25 cents an hour, he went on to found and lead eight companies, including Able Aerospace, which scaled from a two-person startup to a global business serving 2,000 customers in 60 countries before achieving a 9-figure exit in 2016. At ETW, Lee now helps organizations of all sizes accelerate value creation through strategic execution and leadership alignment. A respected voice in business, he's been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Inc., and interviewed by CNBC and Bloomberg for his insights on leadership, execution, and driving measurable results.   Connect with Lee Website: Dinner Table Instagram: @dinnertablefamily LinkedIn: Lee Benson   Connect with UsTo learn more about us, visit our website at www.18summers.com or email us at [email protected]. To get a copy of our book "The Family Board Meeting", click here. Subscribe to 18 Summers Podcast and leave a rating and written review!   Social Media Channels Facebook Group: 18 Summers LinkedIn: Jimmy Sheils Instagram: @18summerstribe

Balancing boardrooms and ball fields is no small feat. Scott Danner, AAMS®, demonstrates how he balances a high-octane career with parenting two teenage soccer players, navigating double-booked calendars, empty-nest moments, and home-based hacks. Learn about his four-pillar L.I.F.E. Model to stay aligned amid chaos and build a lasting legacy by tuning in!   Key takeaways to listen for What unexpected parenting surprises teach about resilience A simple ritual that builds stronger family ties 4 healthy-risk opportunities that fuel teen development Reasons why a dedicated "home base" brings stability How the LIFE Model's pillars harmonize work and family   Resources The Bible in a Year | Apple Podcasts Ted Lasso Freedom Street by Scott Danner | Kindle, Paperback, and Hardcover   About Scott Danner, AAMS®Scott Danner, AAMS®, is the CEO of Freedom Street Partners, bestselling author of Freedom Street, and creator of the L.I.F.E. Model (Leadership, Impact, Faith & Energy). A champion of high performers, he coaches individuals and teams to grow with intention, build cultures of meaningful connection, and serve others at the highest level. As host of The High Performance LIFE podcast, Scott explores how to live with purpose, strengthen relationships, and show up fully in every role, helping listeners craft lives of freedom, fulfillment, and lasting impact.   Connect with Scott Website: Scott Danner Podcast: The High Performance Life | Apple Podcasts and Spotify Instagram: @scottwdanner LinkedIn: Scott Danner   Connect with UsTo learn more about us, visit our website at www.18summers.com or email us at [email protected]. To get a copy of our book "The Family Board Meeting", click here. Subscribe to 18 Summers Podcast and leave a rating and written review!   Social Media Channels Facebook Group: 18 Summers LinkedIn: Jimmy Sheils Instagram: @18summerstribe