Beyond the Home Study

Well... this is it.After 67 episodes, countless conversations, rabbit holes, laughs, and hard topics, we are recording one last episode of Beyond the Home Study. And naturally, we couldn't leave without one final hurrah!While the podcast may be coming to an end, the conversations don't have to. Foster care, adoption, parenting, trauma, and all the messy, complicated, beautiful things in between are worth continuing to talk about.Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Keep asking questions, keep learning, and most importantly keep the conversation going.

Sometimes life is full of big milestones and sometimes it's home projects, travel stress, changing seasons, and just trying to keep up with your kids. This week, Lora Rose and Abbey are catching up on all of it!We're sharing our latest wins and woes, from home renovations and recent travels to family milestones and the everyday parenting moments that have challenged us (and helped us grow). It's a little bit of what's working, what's definitely not, and what we're learning along the way.Don't forget to Like, Follow, & Share!Instagram, Facebook, & our website.

Foster care often comes with a lot of misconceptions, but what does it actually look like to say yes? This week, we're joined by Nick and Sarah as they share the story of how they stepped into foster care, what surprised them most, and how their perspective on reunification completely changed along the way.We talk about building relationships with birth families, navigating the emotions of loving children who may not stay, supporting sibling connections, and why humility is one of the most important qualities a foster parent can have. Whether you're considering foster care or already on the journey, this conversation is an encouraging reminder that loving a child well also means cheering for what's best for their family.Don't forget to Like, Follow, & Share!Instagram, Facebook, & our website

Productivity advice is everywhere... but does it actually work when you're parenting foster or adoptive children? This week, we're diving into the tension between getting things done and being fully present. We talk about why routines and systems can be a lifesaver for foster and adoptive families, how busy seasons, and everyday chaos can test even the best systems, and why sometimes the most productive thing you can do is throw the plan out the window.Whether you're a color-coded planner or someone who flies by the seat of your pants, this conversation will encourage you to find a rhythm that works for your family without adding more pressure to your plate.Don't forget to Like, Follow, & Share!Instagram, Facebook, & our website.

Your child may be heading back to school, but they're also stepping into new routines, new expectations, and sometimes some really big feelings. In Part 2 of our back-to-school series, Lora Rose & Abbey share practical, trauma-informed strategies to help foster and adoptive children navigate this transition with confidence. We cover simple tools for talking about emotions, preparing for social situations, supporting regulation, and creating a safe place for kids to process all the changes that come with a new school year.Whether your child is walking into a brand-new classroom or returning after a difficult year, we hope these ideas help make the transition a little smoother—for everyone.Don't forget to Like, Follow, & Share!Instagram, Facebook, & our Website.

Back-to-school season can feel a little chaotic... and we're right there with you. In Part 1 of this two-part series, Lora Rose & Abbey focus on preparing for the transition back to school. We chat about creating routines that actually work, navigating big emotions (for kids and parents), and why you don't have to completely reinvent your family every August. We also dive into emotional regulation, using feelings charts, and the importance of taking care of yourself so you can show up for your kids.Be sure to come back next week for Part 2, where we're shifting the focus to your child and sharing practical ways to support them through the back-to-school transition.Don't forget to Like, Follow, & Share!Instagram, Facebook, & our Website.

Adoption stories are usually told from one perspective... but this week, you're getting two. We're joined by an adoptive mom and her daughter as they share the incredible story of their private adoption, what it was like growing up in a closed adoption, and how reconnecting with birth family years later reshaped their lives. We also dive into adoption trauma, identity, openness, and why honest conversations matter for every member of the adoption triad. Don't forget to Like, Follow, & Share!Instagram, Facebook, & our Website.

Some families ease into foster care... Amber and Alex hit the gas. After welcoming 12 children through foster care, adoption, and biologically, they're sharing what they've learned about building a big family, creating systems that actually work, and staying committed through the chaos.We talk about what motivated them to foster, how they balance individual attention with the needs of a large family, practical tips for managing the day-to-day, and why treating every child like they're truly part of the family makes all the difference. Whether you're considering foster care, already parenting a full house, or just love hearing incredible family stories, this episode is packed with wisdom and encouragement.Don’t forget to Like, Follow, & Share!Instagram, Facebook, & our website

Sometimes the best conversations deserve a sequel. Emily first joined us years ago to share her embryo adoption journey, and now she's back to give us an update on where life has taken her family.We chat about talking with kids about their adoption story, open versus closed embryo adoption, sibling relationships, and the questions that naturally come as children grow. It's an honest, thoughtful conversation about a path to parenthood that many people have never heard of.Don’t forget to Like, Follow, & Share!Instagram, Facebook, & our website

Welcome back to another edition of Wins, Woes, & What’s Happening!This episode is a little life update, a little therapy session, and a lot of laughter. We’re sharing recent wins, a few woes, and the everyday moments that have kept us humble lately. From summer adventures and parenting mishaps to personal growth and finding humor in the chaos, we’re catching you up on what life has looked like behind the scenes.And because apparently we have no secrets, we finish by sharing our recent ChatGPT searches, which may reveal more about us than we intended.Grab a coffee and come hang out with us for this candid catch-up episode.Don’t forget to Like, Follow, & Share!Instagram, Facebook, & our website

In this special Father’s Day episode of Beyond the Home Study, Abbey and Lora Rose step aside and hand the microphones over to their husbands for a candid conversation about fatherhood, adoption, and family life.From the joys and challenges of parenting to the unique experience of becoming a dad through adoption, the guys share their perspectives on building connection, navigating hard moments, and what they’ve learned along the way. Whether you're a dad, raising kids alongside one, or simply curious about the fatherhood side of the adoption journey, this episode offers plenty of laughs, honesty, and encouragement.Don't forget to Like, Follow, & Share!Instagram, Facebook, & our website

Embryo adoption can be complex, emotional, hopeful, and life-changing for families navigating infertility. In this special re-release, we revisit our very first guest interview, an episode that also became our most listened-to conversation ever!Our guest shares her family's journey to embryo adoption, what the process looked like, and the joys and challenges of building a family in an unexpected way. Whether you're personally exploring embryo adoption or simply curious about this unique path to parenthood, we hope this story encourages and informs you.Don't forget to Like, Follow, & Share!Instagram, Facebook, & our website

Summer at home can be beautiful, slow, challenging, healing, and surprisingly meaningful, especially for foster and adoptive families. In this episode, we talk about why some families choose to stay home during the summer and how to create connection, rhythm, and fun without the pressure to constantly travel or entertain.We share practical ideas for simple summer routines, managing sensory needs, creating memorable moments at home, and lowering expectations in a healthy way. Whether your summer is full of backyard water play, library trips, or just trying to survive the long days with kids home all day, we hope this episode encourages you.Don’t forget to Like, Follow, & Share!Instagram, Facebook, & our website

Traveling with kids can be beautiful, stressful, meaningful, and unpredictable all at the same time—especially for adoptive families. In this re-release episode, we revisit our conversation about traveling with flexibility, realistic expectations, and grace for both parents and kids.We share practical tips for road trips, routines, snacks, sleep, entertainment, and creating felt safety while away from home. Whether you’re planning a summer vacation or just surviving a weekend away, we hope this episode encourages you.Next week, we’ll follow up with a brand new episode all about staying home with kids during the summer.Don’t forget to Like, Follow, & Share!Instagram, Facebook, & our website!

Mother’s Day can bring joy, gratitude, and celebration, but for many, it can also bring grief, longing, guilt, overwhelm, or complicated emotions. In this episode, we’re having an honest conversation about what it looks like when you don’t feel like celebrating Mother’s Day.We talk about the different experiences that can make this day difficult for adoptive moms, foster moms, biological moms, adoptees, and those navigating infertility, loss, or strained relationships. We also discuss the pressure to feel thankful or happy, and why making space for the hard emotions matters too.Whether Mother’s Day is a joyful day for you, a painful one, or a mix of both, we hope this episode helps you feel seen and less alone.Don’t forget to Like, Follow, & Share!Instagram, Facebook, & our website!

In this episode, we sit down with Sara, National Director of Family Recruitment and Retention at a large child welfare agency, adoptee, and adoptive mom of 13, for a conversation that brings together both professional expertise and deeply lived experience.Sara offers a rare perspective on adoption and foster care, shaped not only by her leadership in the child welfare system but also by her own story as someone who has experienced adoption from multiple angles. We talk about what it really takes to recruit and support families, where the system is working, and where there are still gaps.This conversation goes beyond policy and process. You won't want to miss it!Don't forget to Like, Follow, & Share!Instagram, Facebook, and our website.

Welcome back to our not-so-regular monthly life download.In this episode, we’re sharing our personal wins from April, the things that stretched us (because there’s always something), and what’s currently unfolding in our day-to-day lives. We also chat through what’s been on our minds lately and the little things helping us unwind when we’re running on empty.It’s honest, a little all over the place, and exactly the kind of conversation we’d be having if you were sitting on the couch with us.Don’t forget to Like, Follow, & Share!Instagram, Facebook, & our website

In this episode, Dan and Lindsay share their journey through infertility, adoption, and a situation that took an unexpected turn, including navigating an adoption scam and the ethical gaps that made it possible. Their story sheds light on the realities that aren’t always talked about and the importance of asking hard questions along the way.We talk about red flags, due diligence, and what it looks like to pursue adoption with both hope and wisdom. Through it all, their journey also points to resilience, faith, and the moment they finally welcomed their daughter.This episode is both cautionary and deeply hopeful and full of insight for anyone considering adoption.We’re so glad you’re here.Resources:A Step Ahead Adoption ServicesOur Season 1 episode with Valerie from A Step AheadDon’t forget to Like, Follow, & Share!Instagram, Facebook, & check out our website!

Thanks for joining us for this meaningful conversation!In this episode, we sit down with Erin to talk about her international adoption journey and the unexpected challenges along the way. She shares how she went into the process knowing there could be unknowns—but later discovered her child had a cleft palate that wasn’t disclosed in the paperwork and required surgery.We talk through the emotional and ethical layers of that experience, the gap between expectations and reality, and why transparency in adoption matters so much. Erin also shares what it’s looked like to support her child well and navigate it all with openness and grace.We’re so glad you’re here!Don’t forget to Like, Follow, & Share!Instagram, Facebook, & check out our website!

Thanks for joining us for this fun, off-the-cuff episode! We’re ditching the usual format and just catching up on real life—what’s been happening in our homes, what’s making us laugh, and what’s stretching us in this season.From Easter celebrations to the everyday rhythms of family life, this conversation moves through the real highs and lows of parenting little ones in a way that feels honest and familiar. It’s a mix of stories, a little chaos, and moments that might just make you think, “same here.”We’re all figuring it out as we go, and we’re really glad you’re here!Don’t forget to Like, Follow, & Share!Instagram, Facebook, & check out our website!

Thanks for joining us for our final episode in the March Behavior Series! In this episode, we host a casual book club conversation on The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel M.D. , Tina Payne Bryson.Earlier this month, we invited you to read along with us, and now we’re sharing our honest thoughts—what we loved, what didn’t quite land for us, and whether we’d recommend it to a friend.Listen in as we break down some of the key concepts from the book, how they show up in real-life parenting, and where theory can feel different than practice (especially in the middle of everyday moments with kids).This episode is a relaxed, real-life reflection on one of the most popular parenting books out there—and a chance to think through what actually feels helpful in your own home.If you read along with us (or even if you didn’t), we’d love for you to join the conversation!Don’t forget to Like, Follow, & Share!Instagram, Facebook, & check out our website!

Thanks for joining us for a bonus conversation in our March Behavior Series. In this episode, we sit down with adoptive mom Jess Pruess as she shares her journey through adoption, early behavioral challenges, and learning to advocate for her son.Jess opens up about the gap between expectations and reality, recognizing early signs of trauma, and learning to trust her instincts when something felt off.Listen in as we talk about early intervention, therapy supports like speech and occupational therapy, navigating school challenges, and her son’s ADHD diagnosis. Jess also shares what it’s looked like to grow in confidence as an advocate and parent.This episode is a reminder that you are the right parent for your child—and that trusting your gut and seeking support can make all the difference.Check out these resources mentioned in the episode:- The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel van der Kolk - The Primal Wound by Nancy Newton VerrierDon’t forget to Like, Follow, & Share!Instagram, Facebook, & check out our website!

Thanks for joining us for another conversation in our March Behavior Series. In this episode, we sit down with adoptive mom Kristi Powell as she shares her firsthand experience parenting children with significant trauma and big behaviors. Kristi opens up about adopting four biological siblings from Brazil during the pandemic, and what it looked like to navigate intense transitions, unexpected challenges, and the realities of trauma in everyday family life.Listen in as we talk about what’s really underneath extreme behaviors, why traditional parenting approaches often fall short, and how safety, connection, and the right support can make all the difference. Kristi also shares practical insights on pursuing therapy, building a support system, and holding onto hope in the midst of hard seasons.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by big behaviors or wondered how to better support a child from a hard place, this episode is for you.Check out Kristi's books here!Don’t forget to Like, Follow, & Share!Instagram, Facebook, & check out our new website!

Welcome back to our March Behavior Series on Beyond the Home Study.In this episode (Part 2 of 2), we continue our conversation with TBRI practitioners Amie Huggins and Marti Smith as we talk even more about the relationship between trauma and behavior.Listen in as we dig into why behavior charts often miss the mark for kids from hard places, how schools can better support regulation and connection, and we chat about their new book, Creating a Connected Classroom.If you’ve ever wondered what’s really going on underneath big behaviors (especially in school settings), this episode is for you.Get Creating a Connected Classroom here!Want to connect with our guests? Send them an email!Marti Smith, OT & Amie Huggins, M.EdDon’t forget to Like, Follow, & Share!Instagram, Facebook, & check out our new website!

Welcome back to our March Behavior Series on Beyond the Home Study.In this episode (Part 1 of 2), we sit down with TBRI practitioners Amie Huggins and Marti Smith to talk about what’s really going on underneath the behaviors we see in foster and adoptive children.We explore how Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) and occupational therapy help us better understand things like regulation, sensory needs, and proprioception — and why behavior is communication, not blatant defiance.Listen as we break down practical ways to respond to big behaviors while building safety, connection, and trust with the kids in our care.Get Creating a Connected Classroom here!Want to connect with our guests? Send them an email!Marti Smith ,OTR & Amie Huggins, M.EdDon’t forget to Like, Follow, & Share!Instagram, Facebook, & check out our *new* website!

It's March and this month we’re talking all about behavior.Today's episode is about the realities of parenting foster and adopted children: big behaviors, unmet expectations, emotional triggers, and the differences between bio and adopted dynamics.Listen as we talk through the moments that leave you exhausted, second-guessing yourself, and wondering if you’re doing any of this right.Don’t forget to Like, Follow, & Share!InstagramFacebookWebsite: www.yourehomenetwork.com

Welcome to Wins, Woes & What’s Happening — our monthly download on life.We’re covering our personal wins, what's been weighing on us this month, and new legislation affecting the system. Plus, what we’re watching when our brains are officially done for the day.Real life. Real foster care. No sugarcoating.Don't forget to Like, Follow, & Share!InstagramFacebookWebsite

In this powerful episode of Beyond the Home Study, we sit down with former foster youth and author Lainie Hartley to hear the story behind the system.Lainie shares what foster care felt like from her side — the pain, the hope, and the complicated relationships between foster and birth families. She challenges us to lead with empathy, not assumptions, and introduces her Bridge Program, designed to help foster and birth parents build understanding instead of division.This conversation will challenge the way you think about foster care — and maybe even the way you parent within it.Don't forget to Like, Follow, & Share!InstagramFacebookWebsite

In this episode of Beyond the Home Study, we sit down with Karen Henderson, Director of Programs at CASA of the River Region, to talk about the life-changing impact of a CASA volunteer (Court Appointed Special Advocate) in the foster care system.Karen shares how CASA advocates support children through the court process, provide a consistent adult presence, and help ensure a child’s voice is heard. We also discuss secondary trauma, the need for volunteers (especially for teens) and the powerful story of a teenager who went from not wanting to attend school to graduating and inviting his CASA advocate to the ceremony.If you’ve ever wondered whether one adult can truly make a difference in foster care, this episode is for you.Learn more about CASA of the River Region:https://www.casariverregion.org/volunteerEmbrace a Child CASA Event:https://www.casariverregion.org/embrace-a-child Don't forget to Like, Follow, & Share! 📸 Instagram📘 Facebook 🌐 Website

Foster care is beautiful—and heartbreaking.In this Season 2 premiere, Lora Rose & Abbey are back and going deep! In this episode they share personal stories from inside foster care, including the joy of welcoming children in, the reality of reunification, and the grief that comes with letting go.Don't forget to Like, Follow, & Share! 📸 Instagram: @beyondthehomestudy🌐 Website: www.yourehomenetwork.com

In this season finale of Beyond the Home Study, hosts Lora Rose & Abbey share all their favorite things—from the sensory tools they can’t parent without to the coffee, books, apps, and even nail polish that help them feel human on the hard days. If you’re looking for fresh ideas, practical tools, or just a few fun favorites to brighten your week, this episode is for you.ResourcesThese are a few of our favorite things! Click here for the products mentioned in this episode.Support the ShowIf you’re loving these conversations, help us keep going!Leave a rating and review wherever you listen & don't forget to follow us on Instagram! Stay tuned for Season 2!!

In this episode of Beyond the Home Study, Lora Rose & Abbey talk with Johanna Choate, who shares her powerful story of perseverance through the ups and downs of adoption. From unexpected twists in the process to the emotional toll of waiting, Johanna opens up about what it’s like to hold onto hope when things don’t go as planned.Memorable Quotes: “God doesn't call the equipped, he equips the called."“We just kind of belly flopped into it.”“Adoption was not our first plan by any stretch of the imagination.”Support the ShowIf you’re loving these conversations, help us keep going!Leave a rating and review wherever you listen & don’t forget to follow us on Instagram. 

In this episode of Beyond the Home Study, Lora Rose & Abbey sit down with Valerie Marble, newly published author & CEO of A Step Ahead Adoption Services, to walk through the first questions every prospective adoptive parent should be asking. Valerie breaks down how to start the adoption journey with clarity and confidence—covering what to consider when looking at your timeline, what finances may look like, how often disruptions really happen, plus so much more! Whether you’re just beginning to explore adoption or already deep in research mode, this episode is full of grounded, practical guidance from someone who’s been on both sides of the process.ResourcesA Step Ahead Adoption ServicesValerie's Book: Living Through the Journey: a journal for hopeful adoptive parentsSupport the ShowIf you’re loving these conversations, help us keep going! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram!

In this episode of Beyond the Home Study, Lora Rose & Abbey unpack the concept of co-regulation—how parents can help children calm down by first calming themselves. Drawing from personal experiences and real-life parenting moments, they discuss what co-regulation looks like in the context of foster care and adoption, how to respond to meltdowns, and why repair matters after we lose our cool. Memorable Quotes:“"I feel like I have a hundred pound weight on my shoulders."“Mirror neurons, baby!”Support the ShowIf you’re loving these conversations, help us keep going! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen & don’t forget to follow us on Instagram!

In this episode of Beyond the Home Study, Lora Rose & Abbey explore the powerful role of play in building attachment and supporting child development. They unpack how play fosters connection, how trauma can influence a child’s ability to engage, and why movement-based play is key to emotional regulation. Memorable Quotes:"Your best toys are yourself and your creativity."“Redefine your definition of play and know that it's much broader than you think."Support the ShowIf you’re loving these conversations, help us keep going!Leave a rating and review wherever you listen & don’t forget to follow us on Instagram!

In this heartfelt episode of Beyond the Home Study, hosts Lora Rose & Abbey sit down with Jessica and Ryan McMichael to share their powerful story of adoption. From the heartbreak of disrupted matches to the joy of welcoming their children home, Jessica and Ryan offer an honest look at the emotional ups and downs of building a family through adoption. Memorable Quotes:"Adoption was always Plan A for us.""Every hardship, every piece of paperwork, it's all worth it.""There's no playbook for adoption, just start the conversation."Support the Show:If you’re loving these conversations, help us keep going!Leave a rating and review wherever you listen & don't forget to follow us on Instagram!

In this episode of Beyond the Home Study, Lora Rose & Abbey dive into the importance of community for parents, especially those navigating foster care and adoption. They unpack what community really means, from local support systems to online spaces, and discuss the barriers that make connection difficult. The conversation highlights the vulnerability it takes to form relationships, the impact of parenting challenges on social life, and the beauty of finding “your people.”Memorable Quotes:"Community doesn't have to look the same for everyone; it's about finding what works for you.""Finding your people is about recognizing the pockets of community around you."ResourcesFollow us on Instagram!Support the ShowIf you’re loving these conversations, help us keep going!⭐ Leave a rating and review wherever you listen

In this episode of Beyond the Home Study, Lora Rose & Abbey open up about the things they wish they had known before beginning their adoption and foster care journeys. They share the emotional weight of waiting for placements, the complexities of navigating relationships with birth mothers, and the never-ending paperwork that adoption entails. Memorable Quotes"I wish I understood the emotional weight of waiting.""You really don't know what to expect.""Adoption does not heal infertility."ResourcesFollow us on InstagramSupport the ShowIf you’re loving these conversations, help us keep going!⭐ Leave a rating and review wherever you listen☕ Buy us a coffee to support the podcast

In this episode of Beyond the Home Study, hosts Lora Rose and Abbey sit down with author and adoptive mom Kristin Hill Taylor, who shares her three very different adoption stories. While agencies were involved, each connection to her children’s birth moms came through unique personal relationships — a family friend, a lawyer, and even her doctor. Kristin reflects on how these experiences shaped her perspective on adoption and ultimately inspired her writing career. She also opens up about open adoption, navigating work and family, and the importance of community support throughout the journey.Sound Bites "We fell into it backward." "I think God built our family."Resources Kristin’s Website: www.kristinhilltaylor.com Kristin’s Books on Amazon:Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My FamilyBringing Home More Than Groceries: Stories About Gathering & Nourishing PeopleCreated for Communion: Discovering God’s Design for Biblical FriendshipSupport the ShowIf you’re loving these conversations, help us keep going!⭐ Leave a rating and review wherever you listen☕ Buy us a coffee to support the podcast & don’t forget to follow us on Instagram!

Description:In this episode of Beyond the Home Study, Lora Rose & Abbey unpack the whirlwind of the first 30 days after bringing a child home through foster care or adoption. From navigating time in the NICU to setting realistic expectations for attachment, they share practical tips and honest reflections on what those early days really look like. You’ll hear why self-care matters, how to balance routines with flexibility, and why limiting visitors can make a big difference for both you and your child.Memorable Quotes:“You have to prioritize yourself.”“You want this tone to be connection.”Follow us on InstagramSupport the ShowIf you’re loving these conversations, help us keep going!⭐ Leave a rating and review wherever you listen☕ Buy us a coffee to support the podcast

Join Lora Rose & Abbey as they laugh through the everyday parenting battles we all face—but sometimes decide just aren’t worth the fight. From kids refusing to wear what you picked out to the chaos of mealtimes and routines, they share real-life stories of when it’s better to let go for the sake of connection. This episode is full of honesty, humor, and grace for the messy middle of parenting.Memorable Quotes: "You can't be all things to all people." "Sometimes you just have to let them wear the pajamas."Links & Resources:Follow us on InstagramSupport the ShowIf you’re loving these conversations, help us keep going!⭐ Leave a rating and review wherever you listen☕ Buy us a coffee to support the podcast

In this episode of Beyond the Home Study, Lora Rose & Abbey engage in an open and honest conversation about the complexities of motherhood, work-life balance, and personal identity. They share their personal journeys, the emotional struggles of parenting, and the societal pressures surrounding work and family roles. In this EpisodeNavigating motherhood involves constant evaluation of personal choices.The balance between work and family is a common struggle for many mothers.Emotional health is crucial in the journey of parenting.It's important to recognize the invisible load that mothers carry.Finding identity beyond motherhood can be challenging but necessary.Support systems play a vital role in managing parenting responsibilities.It's okay to seek escape from motherhood at times.Personal growth often comes from reflecting on past experiences.Every mother's journey is unique and should be respected.Open conversations about these struggles can foster community and understanding.Links & Resources:Follow us on InstagramSupport the ShowIf you’re loving these conversations, help us keep going!⭐ Leave a rating and review wherever you listen☕ Buy us a coffee to support the podcast

In this episode of Beyond the Home Study, Lora Rose and Abbey interview Wilson Munsterman, an adoptee, author, and college student. Wilson shares his adoption story, the dynamics of his adoptive family, and his experiences growing up as a transracial adoptee. In this episodeWilson’s adoption story, from being born in China to joining his adoptive family at 10 months.The role of cultural identity and how it shaped his experiences.Struggles with self-worth, belonging, and feeling “enough.”How Wilson reframed his journey to focus on positivity and growth.Why he wrote Marked by Adoption and the impact it’s had on readers.The importance of grace in adoptive parenting and navigating complex family dynamics.Why sharing positive adoption stories matters for adoptees and families alike.Resources & LinksSupport the ShowIf you’re loving these conversations, help us keep going!⭐ Leave a rating and review wherever you listen☕ ⁠Buy us a coffee⁠ to support the podcast & don't forget to follow us on⁠ Instagram⁠

In this episode of Beyond the Home Study, Lora Rose & Abbey sit down with Beth Michiemo, a foster mom with experience parenting both biological and foster children. Beth shares her journey into foster care, the dynamics within her blended family, and the emotional realities of welcoming children from hard places. In this episodeBeth shares her journey into foster care and what motivated her to start.The dynamics of parenting three biological kids, one adopted child, and one currently in foster care.Why community support is vital for foster families.The emotional and spiritual demands of foster care compared to biological parenting.The importance of being sensitive to the backgrounds and needs of foster children.Why foster care is truly a family commitment.ResourcesDownload our⁠ FREE teacher email template⁠Support the ShowIf you’re loving these conversations, help us keep going!⭐ Leave a rating and review wherever you listen & don't forget to follow us on⁠ Instagram⁠

In this episode of Beyond the Home Study, Lora Rose & Abbey dive into the complexities of navigating adult relationships as parents — especially for those who have adopted or fostered children. Through personal stories and candid reflections, they explore how friendships evolve after parenthood, how to respond to awkward adoption-related comments, and why community with like-minded families is so vital. This conversation is a gentle reminder that you're not alone, and meaningful connections are possible, even in this season.In This Episode:– Navigating friendships post-adoption and the shifts that come with parenting– Handling awkward or insensitive comments about your child’s story– How to find (and be) the kind of friend who “gets it”– Understanding that some friendships may be more surface-level and that’s okay– Navigating limited social opportunities while parenting in the foster care system– What it looks like to reevaluate your needs and expectations in friendships– How honesty about your family’s story can help build connectionResources:Download our⁠ FREE teacher email templateSupport the ShowIf you’re loving these conversations, help us keep going!⭐ Leave a rating and review wherever you listen☕ ⁠Buy us a coffee⁠ to support the podcast & don't forget to follow us on⁠ Instagram⁠

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of disrupted adoption matches and the emotional impact of when an adoption plan does not move forward. Please listen with care if you’ve experienced adoption loss or related grief.Summary:In this episode of Beyond the Home Study, Lora Rose and Abbey sit down with adoptive mom and teacher Tara to talk through the emotional ups and downs of her open adoption journey. From navigating failed matches to parenting both biological and adopted school-aged children, Tara shares what’s surprised her most about adoption and what she wishes she’d known. In This Episode:How Tara and her husband’s adoption journey beganNavigating the grief and hope of failed adoption matchesCreating meaningful connections with birth mothersTalking to kids about their adoption storiesManaging adoption conversations at school and with peersResources:Download our ⁠FREE teacher email template⁠Support the ShowIf you’re loving these conversations, help us keep going!⭐ Leave a rating and review wherever you listen☕ ⁠Buy us a coffee⁠ to support the podcast & don't forget to follow us on ⁠Instagram

Summary:In this episode of Beyond the Home Study, Lora Rose & Abbey dive into the complexities of advocating for adopted and foster children in school environments. From navigating 504 Plans and IEPs to fostering relationships with teachers, they offer practical strategies and personal insights to help parents feel empowered and equipped. This episode highlights the unique needs trauma-impacted children may bring into the classroom—and how parents can effectively communicate those needs to educators with clarity and compassion.In This Episode:The difference between IEPs and 504 PlansWhy one-size-fits-all education often fails adopted childrenWhen and how to begin the advocacy process (hint: it starts early!)How to build trust and collaborate with teachers and school teamsWhy understanding the school system can make you a stronger advocateTips for approaching childcare settings with the same intentionalityThe importance of leading with compassion—for both your child and their educatorsDownload our FREE teacher email template Support the ShowIf you’re loving these conversations, help us keep going!⭐ Leave a rating and review wherever you listen☕ Buy us a coffee to support the podcast& don't forget to follow us on Instagram

In this episode of Beyond the Home Study, Lora Rose, a pediatric occupational therapist, and Abbey Ramirez explore the powerful connection between sensory processing and trauma in children. Through honest reflection and real-life stories, they shed light on the unique challenges that trauma-impacted children face, and how those challenges often show up as sensory-seeking or sensory-avoiding behaviors. With Lora's professional insight and Abbey's parenting perspective, this episode offers both understanding and practical support for caregivers navigating sensory needs in adopted and foster children.In This Episode:How trauma affects sensory processing in childrenRecognizing the difference between sensory seekers and avoidersSimple strategies to support your child’s nervous systemThe role of compassion and co-regulation in challenging momentsWhy modeling body awareness mattersWhen to seek out therapy or extra supportEncouragement for parents to trust their gutLinks & ResourcesFREE training for KY Foster Parents STAR Institute - free resources for parentsQuiz- What's Your Sensory Style?Support the ShowIf you’ve found value in our conversations, we’d love your support!⭐️ Leave us a rating and review—it helps more people find the show.☕ Buy us a coffee to help keep the podcast going!

In this powerful and emotional episode, Lora Rose and Abbey sit down with Chelsie, a birth mom who courageously shares her adoption journey. From finding out she was pregnant at 14 to navigating the adoption process and choosing an adoptive family, Chelsie opens up about the deep emotional layers of her experience. She talks about the healing she's found, the complexity of open adoption, and the importance of seeing and supporting birth moms with compassion—not judgment. Whether you're a hopeful adoptive parent, an expectant mom considering adoption, or simply someone who wants to understand more, Chelsie's story is one you won’t forget.In This Episode:Chelsie’s pregnancy journey at just 14 years oldThe emotional weight of hiding her pregnancyFinding safety and support at an adoption centerHow she chose the adoptive family—“It was a God thing”The realities and beauty of open adoptionFacing guilt, shame, and identity as a young birth momHow becoming a mom again brought healingCommon misconceptions about birth momsSupport the Show:If you’re loving these conversations, help us keep going!⭐ Leave a rating and review wherever you listen☕ Buy us a coffee to support the podcast ✨Follow us on Instagram for more stories and conversations: ⁠@beyondthehomestudy⁠

In this solo episode of Beyond the Home Study, Abbey Ramirez dives deeper into the world of private adoption. Picking up from Part 1 with Laura Noonan, Abbey addresses the many lingering questions potential adoptive parents have — from choosing between an agency or attorney to understanding the emotional and financial realities of the adoption journey. Drawing from her personal experience, Abbey offers practical advice, gentle encouragement, and an honest look at what it’s really like to walk this path.Whether you're just beginning to explore adoption or are already in the process, this episode will leave you feeling more informed and a little less alone.In This Episode:- Agency vs. private attorney: what you need to know- The real cost of adoption — and how to plan for it- Fundraising tips and mindsets- Creating your family profile book: why it mattersLinks & Resources:Ohio Adoption Grant Program Adoption Credit | Internal Revenue ServiceFollow us on InstagramSupport the show If you’re loving these conversations, help us keep going!⭐ Leave a rating and review wherever you listen☕ Buy us a coffee to support the podcast