In this raw and unfiltered episode of The Unprofessional Parenting Podcast, Matt and Laney sit down with no notes, no prep, and six real questions—three each—about their foster care journey. From the moments that broke them to the ones that built them, they open up about what foster parenting has taught them about love, loss, attachment, and faith.
Whether you’re a foster parent, an adoptive parent, or simply someone who wants to understand the heart behind foster care, this episode is for you
In this episode of the Unprofessional Parenting Podcast, Matt and Laney sit down with Biblical counselor, Josh Waulk of Baylight Counseling, to unpack the powerful connection between attachment and the theology of adoption. Together, we explore how understanding attachment styles can help foster parents build trust, create stability, and form secure bonds with children from difficult backgrounds.
This conversation also digs into the gospel’s picture of adoption—how God welcomes us into His family—and how that truth shapes the way we parent foster and adopted children. With practical tools, healthy family rhythms, and biblical wisdom, this episode equips you to build a safe and secure home where healing can begin.
👉 What you’ll learn in this episode:
An overview of attachment styles and how they show up in foster care
Why healthy rhythms are essential to building security and trust
Practical steps to create a safe, stable home environment
How the theology of adoption shapes our understanding of parenting
Encouragement for foster and adoptive parents to parent with patience, grace, and gospel-centered love
Perfect for foster parents, adoptive families, and anyone who wants to better understand how God’s design for family brings hope and healing to kids from hard places.
Foster care doesn’t just change your home—it changes your marriage. In this episode of the UnProfessional Parenting Podcast, we dive into the realities couples face when stepping into foster care: the stress, the miscommunication, the late-night conversations, and the unexpected strain it can put on a relationship. But we also share the practical things that have helped keep our marriage strong and healthy in the middle of it all. Whether you’re married and considering fostering, already in the thick of it, or simply curious about how foster care impacts couples, this conversation is full of honesty, lessons learned, and encouragement that you’re not alone.
With Special Guest Jeff Ford - CEO of ManUp
Fatherlessness has become one of the greatest epidemics facing America today—impacting foster care, families, and the next generation. In this episode of UnProfessional Parenting, we sit down with the CEO of ManUp, Jeff Ford, to talk about the fatherlessness crisis in the U.S., why it matters, and how foster families are stepping into the gap. From the impact of absent fathers on children’s development to practical ways the church and community can respond, this conversation shines a light on both the challenges and the hope for change. If you’re a foster parent, adoptive family, or someone passionate about breaking cycles and building strong homes, this episode is for you.
The foster care system doesn’t just involve families and social workers—it’s deeply shaped by the court system. In this episode, Circuit Family Court Judge, Aaron Hubbard, joins us to share the court system’s perspective on foster care cases. We discuss the frustrations judges face, the difficult balance between legal timelines and a child’s best interests, and the realities of making decisions that impact children, biological parents, and foster families.
If you’ve ever wondered how the court views foster care, why some cases take so long, or what challenges judges encounter behind the bench, this conversation gives an honest look at the intersection of child welfare and the legal system. Perfect for foster parents, adoptive families, child advocates, and anyone who wants to better understand the foster care process from the courtroom side.
UnProfessional Parenting 1.20 with special guest, Ron Cooney (Executive Pastor at Calvary Church Clearwater).
What role does the church play in meeting the needs of vulnerable children and families in foster care? In this episode,Called to Care, we dive into the biblical call to defend the fatherless, real stories from foster and adoptive families, and practical ways churches can step into the gap. Whether you’re a pastor, a foster parent, or simply someone who wants to live out James 1:27, this podcast equips and inspires the body of Christ to rise up for kids and families in crisis.
In Part 2 of How to “Co-Family” in Foster Care, we dive deeper into how foster parents can build strong, healthy, and intentional relationships with biological families. Learning how to “co-family” is essential for supporting reunification, reducing conflict, and creating stability for kids in care. In this episode, we share real-life foster care experiences, practical co-parenting strategies, and insights on communication, boundaries, and empathy. Whether you’re a new foster parent or have been fostering for years, you’ll discover encouragement and practical tools to help you partner with biological families in ways that truly put the child’s best interests first.
(Part One)
Foster care isn’t just about opening your home—it’s about navigating relationships. In this episode, we dive into the often complex, emotional, and important interactions between foster parents and biological families. From building trust to finding common ground, we’ll talk about what healthy co-parenting looks like, the challenges along the way, and why collaboration matters for the child at the center of it all. Whether you’re a foster parent, bio parent, or simply want to understand the process better, this conversation will give you perspective and encouragement for the journey.
In this episode of Unprofessional Parenting, we explore the powerful bond between siblings and why keeping them together in foster care can be life-changing. From shared memories to built-in emotional support, siblings can be a vital anchor in a child’s world when everything else feels uncertain. We’ll share real-life stories, discuss the challenges that sometimes separate siblings, and talk about how foster and adoptive parents can advocate for keeping brothers and sisters under the same roof. Whether you’re a foster parent, considering becoming one, or just curious about the system, this conversation will open your eyes to the lifelong impact of sibling connections.
In this episode, we dive into the heartwarming (and sometimes hilariously chaotic) movie, Instant Family. With its blend of humor and heavy truths, the film attempts to capture the real-life messiness of foster care and adoption. But how accurate is it? We break down what the movie gets right, what it misses, and how it hit us right in the feels. Whether you’re a seasoned foster parent or just love a good family film, join us as we laugh, cry, and maybe even cringe a little. Spoiler alert: it’s not all sunshine and inspirational montages.
In this episode of Unprofessional Parenting, we dive into one of the toughest and most misunderstood aspects of foster care—saying no. Whether it's declining a placement that doesn’t align with your family's capacity or recognizing when you're approaching burnout, learning to say "no" can actually be one of the most loving, responsible things you do. We talk about the guilt, the pressure, and the reality of navigating foster care with healthy boundaries. If you've ever wondered when it's okay to say no—or how to recover when you're running on empty—this episode is for you.
In a world quick to reward obedience and punish misbehavior, it’s easy to fall into the trap of behavior management. But what if our goal as parents isn’t just to raise well-behaved kids—but kids with deep character? In this episode, we unpack the difference between controlling behavior and shaping hearts. We’ll explore practical ways to raise children who live with integrity, empathy, and conviction—not just when we’re watching, but when we’re not.
Foster care is more than a calling—it’s a commitment. But before stepping into this life-changing journey, it's crucial to understand your why. In this episode, we unpack the heart behind fostering: What’s driving you? Compassion? Guilt? Faith? Personal experience? We’ll explore how identifying your true motivation can sustain you through the highs and lows, shape the way you care for children, and keep you anchored in purpose when things get tough. Whether you're already fostering, considering it, or supporting others who do—this conversation is for you.
In this episode of the Unprofessional Parenting Podcast, we dive into the powerful mindset shift of reframing what "winning" looks like as a foster parent. Traditional parenting milestones don’t always apply in the world of foster care—and that’s okay. We talk about finding joy in the small moments, celebrating progress over perfection, and embracing emotional wins that often go unseen. Whether it's a child opening up emotionally, or simply making it through a tough day—these are the victories that matter. Join us as we unpack how letting go of unrealistic expectations can actually make space for deeper connection and real growth.
The holidays are often painted as a season of joy and togetherness—but for kids in foster care, this time can stir up complex emotions, painful memories, and a deep sense of loss. In this episode of Unprofessional Parenting, we unpack the emotional landscape of the holiday season for foster children and the families who care for them. From navigating traditions that may not feel like theirs to handling grief, guilt, and unmet expectations, we explore what it means to hold space for hurt while still making room for hope. Whether you're a foster parent, bio parent, or someone who loves a child in care, this conversation is an honest look at what it takes to show up with empathy during the most "wonderful" times of the year.
Think you know foster care? Think again. In this episode, we’re breaking down 10 of the most common myths and misunderstandings about the foster care system. From the idea that all foster kids are “troubled” to the belief that foster parents are “in it for the money,” we’re setting the record straight—raw, honest, and unfiltered.Whether you’re a current foster parent, considering getting involved, or just curious about how it all works, this episode is for you.Topics we cover:1. You have to be a foster parent to get involved in foster care2. Foster kids are all troubled kids3. Foster kids did something to get themselves into this situation4. Foster parents are in it for the money5. “Foster to Adopt”6. You can’t bond with a foster child - you’ll get hurt when they leave 7. Biological parents don’t deserve their kids back8. You can’t say “No” to a placement9. Once a child is removed from their parent/adopted, the trauma is over10. It’s too hard💬 Let’s keep the conversation going! Drop your thoughts, questions, or experiences in the comments.🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode.📢 Follow us on social:Instagram | TikTok | Facebook: @UnprofessionalParenting#FosterCare #FosterCareAwareness #Adoption #ParentingPodcast #UnprofessionalParenting
Some conversations aren’t easy—but they’re necessary. In this episode, we dive into how to approach tough topics with foster and adopted kids, from identity and loss to trauma and transitions. We’ll share real stories, practical tips, and ways to create safe spaces for open, honest dialogue. Because hard conversations, done right, can build deeper trust and healing.
In this episode of Unprofessional Parenting, we’re pulling back the curtain on the things we wish someone had told us before jumping into the world of foster care. From the unexpected emotional toll to the unspoken rules of the system, we’re sharing the lessons we learned the hard way—so you don’t have to. Whether you’re considering fostering, just getting started, or deep in the trenches, this episode is packed with real talk, raw moments, and practical advice to help you navigate the journey with a little more clarity (and a lot more grace).
In this episode of Unprofessional Parenting, we dive into the importance of creating meaningful memories with your family—without the pressure of perfection. From simple everyday moments to special traditions, we share ideas, stories, and laughs about how to make the most of your time together. Because in the end, it’s not about grand gestures—it’s about the love and connection that stick with us.
In this episode of Unprofessional Parenting, we dive into one of the most crucial aspects of foster care—attachment and bonding. How do children in the system navigate relationships after experiencing instability? What can foster and adoptive parents do to foster secure connections? We explore the science of attachment, the challenges of bonding with children who have experienced trauma, and practical ways to create a sense of safety and trust. Whether you’re a foster parent, adoptive parent, or just curious about the complexities of attachment, this episode offers insights, real-life stories, and expert advice. Tune in for an honest and unfiltered conversation about the heart of parenting in foster care!