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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message

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. --- Send in a voice message: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message</a>

Considering solo motherhood? How to know if it’s right for you! 

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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message

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. --- Send in a voice message: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message</a>

ADHD? Now what? 

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! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message

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! --- Send in a voice message: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message</a>

Building the Bio Parent/Foster Parent Relationship 

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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message

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. --- Send in a voice message: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message</a>

The Foster Parent’s Manifesto

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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message

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. --- Send in a voice message: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message</a>

Foster Care Influencers: A big YIKES waiting to happen? 

Afraid of open adoption? Confused about what it means? Check out this episode to hear all about navigating (and embracing!) an open adoption. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message

Afraid of open adoption? Confused about what it means? Check out this episode to hear all about navigating (and embracing!) an open adoption. --- Send in a voice message: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message</a>

All About Open Adoption and Post-Adoption Contact

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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message

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. --- Send in a voice message: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message</a>

“I was asked to adopt my foster child. Now what?!”

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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message

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. --- Send in a voice message: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message</a>

The Icky Power Dynamics of Mediation

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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message

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. --- Send in a voice message: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message</a>

Foster Care is Not Cheap Adoption 

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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message

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. --- Send in a voice message: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message</a>

It’s been a YEAR: Let’s catch up!

Navigating solo adoptive and foster motherhood while attempting a go at sanity.

Olivia‘s birth mom changed her mind and decided to parent. Hear about how we are handling that and how we’re helping to support the new family through our grief. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message

Olivia‘s birth mom changed her mind and decided to parent. Hear about how we are handling that and how we’re helping to support the new family through our grief. --- Send in a voice message: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message</a>

The Story of Olivia: Part 2 

Surprise! We adopted again! Learn more about how 3 month old Olivia came into our lives as perhaps our biggest surprise yet. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message

Surprise! We adopted again! Learn more about how 3 month old Olivia came into our lives as perhaps our biggest surprise yet. --- Send in a voice message: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message</a>

The Story of Olivia

You asked, I answered. Behavioral challenges, finances, dating, future plans, how to prepare for a placement, and more!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message

You asked, I answered. Behavioral challenges, finances, dating, future plans, how to prepare for a placement, and more! --- Send in a voice message: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message</a>

It’s Q&A Time!

It’s a grab bag today! An update on the health scare of our teen, why we won’t use an adoption agency to grow our family, and for the love of God, kids in foster care don’t need your donated socks. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message

It’s a grab bag today! An update on the health scare of our teen, why we won’t use an adoption agency to grow our family, and for the love of God, kids in foster care don’t need your donated socks. --- Send in a voice message: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message</a>

Kids in Foster Care Don’t Need Socks

So many people are afraid to foster teenagers — and until roughly 30 days ago, I was one of them. Listen to an update on what I’ve done right and wrong (so far) and how life as a mom of a 3 year old and 17 year old is going. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message

So many people are afraid to foster teenagers — and until roughly 30 days ago, I was one of them. Listen to an update on what I’ve done right and wrong (so far) and how life as a mom of a 3 year old and 17 year old is going. --- Send in a voice message: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message</a>

It’s a (Teen) Girl: One Month In

Remember a few weeks ago when I said we were taking a break from fostering? Well, here we are, one week away from an amazing 17 year old girl joining our family. Listen to find out how in the heck that happened. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message

Remember a few weeks ago when I said we were taking a break from fostering? Well, here we are, one week away from an amazing 17 year old girl joining our family. Listen to find out how in the heck that happened. --- Send in a voice message: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message</a>

It’s a (teenage) girl!

Here’s a little mixed bag of life updates: Maggie’s status, visits with Jack’s birth parents, keep Jack’s little brother for a weekend, becoming a host family with Safe Families and... my love life. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message

Here’s a little mixed bag of life updates: Maggie’s status, visits with Jack’s birth parents, keep Jack’s little brother for a weekend, becoming a host family with Safe Families and... my love life. --- Send in a voice message: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message</a>

Life Updates: Maggie, Our Open Adoption, Safe Families, and Dating 

The most gorgeous two day old baby girl joined our family over Memorial Day weekend. This multi-part episode navigates what it’s like to say yes to a placement, — from that first phone call from the caseworker to picking her up at the hospital to settling into a new routine together at home. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message

The most gorgeous two day old baby girl joined our family over Memorial Day weekend. This multi-part episode navigates what it’s like to say yes to a placement, — from that first phone call from the caseworker to picking her up at the hospital to settling into a new routine together at home. --- Send in a voice message: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message</a>

Welcome, Baby Maggie!

Today I’m talking about my very first placement, a gorgeous three month old baby girl. Hear what I did right, what I did wrong, and how being a mom for the first time changed me--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message

Today I’m talking about my very first placement, a gorgeous three month old baby girl. Hear what I did right, what I did wrong, and how being a mom for the first time changed me --- Send in a voice message: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message</a>

My First Placement

Well here’s a situation we never thought we’d be in — solo parenting during a lockdown in a pandemic. Tune in for an update on our situation and some Q&amp;A. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message

Well here’s a situation we never thought we’d be in — solo parenting during a lockdown in a pandemic. Tune in for an update on our situation and some Q&amp;A. --- Send in a voice message: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message</a>

Fostering During the Pandemic

As a future foster mom, I love listening to your podcasts. Your voice is so calming and nurturing. Please keep sharing love to hear everything you do in the near future.

Loveeeee your voice

I am a single foster mom living in the Midwest and appreciate the insight and encouragement she gives! She’s honest and passionate about the ups and the downs of foster care and motherhood. Thanks for encouraging me to seek out a therapist and love these littles with my whole heart.

Great insight!

Instant Mom

You’ve got questions, I’ve got answers. In this two parter, I’ll answer listener-submitted questions about foster care and adoption. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message

You’ve got questions, I’ve got answers. In this two parter, I’ll answer listener-submitted questions about foster care and adoption. --- Send in a voice message: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message</a>

Q&A: Part One

Let me fill you in on my secret to buying everything you need for baby: what products to skip, what products you can’t miss, where to save, and where to splurge. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message

Let me fill you in on my secret to buying everything you need for baby: what products to skip, what products you can’t miss, where to save, and where to splurge. --- Send in a voice message: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message</a>

Buying for Baby

Everything you want to know about becoming licensed, preparing for your first placement, and getting that first phone call. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message

Everything you want to know about becoming licensed, preparing for your first placement, and getting that first phone call. --- Send in a voice message: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message</a>

Ready, set, foster!

I’ve learned a lot in the past four years of fostering, and I cringe when I think of some of the mistakes I made earlier on in my journey. Let’s talk about what I’ve done wrong — and how you can avoid making the same mistakes. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message

I’ve learned a lot in the past four years of fostering, and I cringe when I think of some of the mistakes I made earlier on in my journey. Let’s talk about what I’ve done wrong — and how you can avoid making the same mistakes. --- Send in a voice message: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message</a>

11 Things I’ve Done Wrong as a Foster Parent

We just found out Jack is going to be a big brother again... and we certainly didn’t expect this news. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message

We just found out Jack is going to be a big brother again... and we certainly didn’t expect this news. --- Send in a voice message: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message</a>

Didn’t expect THAT news. 

Curveball alert! We are in the early stages of getting to know a sweet teenage girl who might eventually join our family. Let’s talk about the harsh realities teens in foster care face when they “age out,” what getting to know a teen in care is like, and how this all might work. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message

Curveball alert! We are in the early stages of getting to know a sweet teenage girl who might eventually join our family. Let’s talk about the harsh realities teens in foster care face when they “age out,” what getting to know a teen in care is like, and how this all might work. --- Send in a voice message: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message</a>

What to Expect When You’re Expecting a Teen

Do you want to be a foster parent but you’re not sure how you can afford it? Are you wondering why there’s a stereotype about foster parents “being in it for the money?” Are you interested in adoption, but the cost of a private adoption has totally terrified you? Today we talk everything money and foster parenting. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message

Do you want to be a foster parent but you’re not sure how you can afford it? Are you wondering why there’s a stereotype about foster parents “being in it for the money?” Are you interested in adoption, but the cost of a private adoption has totally terrified you? Today we talk everything money and foster parenting. --- Send in a voice message: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message</a>

Foster Parenting &Finances

It’s the question I get the more than almost anything else — can you, and how do you, date as a single foster and adoptive mom? Pull up a chair and let’s talk. Also, I cry a decent amount in this episode. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message

It’s the question I get the more than almost anything else — can you, and how do you, date as a single foster and adoptive mom? Pull up a chair and let’s talk. Also, I cry a decent amount in this episode. --- Send in a voice message: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message</a>

The One Where I Date

Adoption only exists because there was significant pain, trauma, loss, and grief. Adoption is beautiful, but it’s not all puppy dogs, unicorns, and rainbows. Let’s talk about the ways that well intentioned adoptive parents can do a disservice to the adoptee and the birth mother — and how we can ensure all sides of that triad are honored thoughtfully. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message

Adoption only exists because there was significant pain, trauma, loss, and grief. Adoption is beautiful, but it’s not all puppy dogs, unicorns, and rainbows. Let’s talk about the ways that well intentioned adoptive parents can do a disservice to the adoptee and the birth mother — and how we can ensure all sides of that triad are honored thoughtfully. --- Send in a voice message: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-friedland/message</a>

Let’s Get Uncomfortable 

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Best Episodes: Personal Stories & Great Interviews

The Best Multi-Part Documentaries, with documentaries on Obama, Federer vs Nadal, the making of Star Wars, Netflix vs Blockbuster and more. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!