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Adoptive Mom Life | Open Adoption, Adoptive Parenting, Birth Family, Christian Community, Biblical Encouragement
Carly | Adoptive Parent, Adoption Support, Encourager, Work from Home Mom
63 episodes
1 week ago
Do you struggle to find the right words to share your adopted child’s stories with them? Do you pray that your child will be able to maintain a strong relationship with their birth families? Do you worry about your child’s mental health or behavioral diagnoses? Ever feel like you’re never enough? Do you find yourself parenting from a place of fear? I am so glad God led you here! This podcast will help you raise connected and self-aware kids, navigate their stories with love and intention, cultivate healthy, open relationships with their birth families, and guide you through seasons of mental health or trauma-related challenges, all while supporting your own needs as a mama. Hey, I’m Carly. A believer, work-at-home-mom, wife, and adoptive mom to two amazing kids. After a long journey with infertility, we felt the Lord calling us to adopt our children. I realized that I didn’t really know how to parent kids from hard beginnings, navigate open relationships with birth families, or handle behavioral or mental health challenges that may come our way. Not only was there not a manual for raising children, there certainly wasn’t a manual for raising adopted children. I felt alone. Once I let go of my own plans and fully embraced God’s plans for our family, I learned to lean into Him more than myself. I learned how to communicate in a healthy way with our birth families, and I figured out ways to parent my kids that worked for their unique needs. I also learned that I need to unapologetically fill my cup so I can better pour into my kids, especially when things get tough. I found my voice as an adoptive mom and found other adoptive moms to link arms with. I created a sounding board and support system for myself and other adoptive moms through this podcast, where I talk candidly about parenting adopted kids, and bring in experts in areas where we need the most help. I pray these honest conversations bless you as much as they’ve blessed me! If you’re ready to... Be the best mom you can be to your children, Gain skills in parenting their unique needs, Support your child’s identity and their sense of belonging in your family, Help share their stories in an age-appropriate and supportive way, Navigate birth family relationships for the long haul, Fill your cup so you can be a joyful, present mom, And trust God with the outcome of your child’s life - this podcast is for you! Top off that iced coffee and grab a comfy seat - it’s time to dive in.
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Parenting
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Kids & Family,
Self-Improvement
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All content for Adoptive Mom Life | Open Adoption, Adoptive Parenting, Birth Family, Christian Community, Biblical Encouragement is the property of Carly | Adoptive Parent, Adoption Support, Encourager, Work from Home Mom and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Do you struggle to find the right words to share your adopted child’s stories with them? Do you pray that your child will be able to maintain a strong relationship with their birth families? Do you worry about your child’s mental health or behavioral diagnoses? Ever feel like you’re never enough? Do you find yourself parenting from a place of fear? I am so glad God led you here! This podcast will help you raise connected and self-aware kids, navigate their stories with love and intention, cultivate healthy, open relationships with their birth families, and guide you through seasons of mental health or trauma-related challenges, all while supporting your own needs as a mama. Hey, I’m Carly. A believer, work-at-home-mom, wife, and adoptive mom to two amazing kids. After a long journey with infertility, we felt the Lord calling us to adopt our children. I realized that I didn’t really know how to parent kids from hard beginnings, navigate open relationships with birth families, or handle behavioral or mental health challenges that may come our way. Not only was there not a manual for raising children, there certainly wasn’t a manual for raising adopted children. I felt alone. Once I let go of my own plans and fully embraced God’s plans for our family, I learned to lean into Him more than myself. I learned how to communicate in a healthy way with our birth families, and I figured out ways to parent my kids that worked for their unique needs. I also learned that I need to unapologetically fill my cup so I can better pour into my kids, especially when things get tough. I found my voice as an adoptive mom and found other adoptive moms to link arms with. I created a sounding board and support system for myself and other adoptive moms through this podcast, where I talk candidly about parenting adopted kids, and bring in experts in areas where we need the most help. I pray these honest conversations bless you as much as they’ve blessed me! If you’re ready to... Be the best mom you can be to your children, Gain skills in parenting their unique needs, Support your child’s identity and their sense of belonging in your family, Help share their stories in an age-appropriate and supportive way, Navigate birth family relationships for the long haul, Fill your cup so you can be a joyful, present mom, And trust God with the outcome of your child’s life - this podcast is for you! Top off that iced coffee and grab a comfy seat - it’s time to dive in.
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Parenting
Education,
Kids & Family,
Self-Improvement
Episodes (20/63)
Adoptive Mom Life | Open Adoption, Adoptive Parenting, Birth Family, Christian Community, Biblical Encouragement
Are You a Christian Adoptive Mom? Join Me LIVE this Tuesday!
Hey mama,    Just a quick announcement about my live workshop happening this Tuesday, October 28, 2025! It's called From Guilt to Grace: Release the Weight of "Not Enough" and Find Rest in Truth.    I'd love to meet you!   Bring your workbook, bible, and favorite drink - let's do this important heart work side by side.    Don't forget to register HERE!    See you soon!  xoxo Carly  
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1 week ago
2 minutes

Adoptive Mom Life | Open Adoption, Adoptive Parenting, Birth Family, Christian Community, Biblical Encouragement
60 | How Do I Tell My Child About Their Adoption Story?
Every adoptive parent wrestles with the same questions...   How do I share my child’s adoption story without saying too much or too little? How do I even approach such a thing? How do I know if they’re old enough to handle it?   In this episode, I walk you through what it looks like to share your child’s adoption story with honesty, discernment, and most importantly, God’s leading.   If you’ve ever second-guessed your words or worried about “getting it wrong” when sharing your child’s story with them, this one’s for you.   ⬇️  ⬇️  ⬇️ LIVE workshop registration link HERE!  October 28th! Contact - > Carly@adoptivemomlife.com Podcast -> bit.ly/adoptivemomlifepodcast Private FB Group -> bit.ly/adoptivemomlife Become an Insider - > AMLInsider     Next Steps:   Step 1: Join the private community with other adoptive moms looking for support and camaraderie at Adoptive Mom Life.   Step 2: Sign up for the monthly Adoptive Mom Life Newsletter here.  
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1 week ago
24 minutes

Adoptive Mom Life | Open Adoption, Adoptive Parenting, Birth Family, Christian Community, Biblical Encouragement
59 | Normal vs. Trauma Behavior: How to Tell the Difference (and What to Do!) — with Adoption Therapist Jeanette Yoffe, Part II
How do you know if your adopted child’s behavior is normal… or rooted in trauma? This is a question I hear from adoptive moms all the time!   In this episode, I chat with Jeanette Yoffe — adoptee, therapist, author, speaker, and founder of Celia Center and Yoffe Therapy — about how to parent with connection and compassion.   Here's what we talk about:  How to spot when behaviors are trauma-related Simple tools and interventions to help kids process their complex stories The PACE model for attachment-focused parenting Why minimizing struggles amplifies them — and how connection diffuses them Using Sad Bags, Anger Bags, and Shame-wiches    Tune in for Part II today, and go back and listen to Part I if you missed it!    Ways to reach Jeanette: Main website: www.JeanetteYoffe.com YouTube Channel: Jeanette-icallySpeaking  The Traumatized & At-Risk Youth Toolbox Book Psychology Today: Inner Life of Foster Care   Book and body socks on Amazon: Jeanette's Book Body Sock    FREE live workshop on October 28th. Register here!  Contact - > Carly@adoptivemomlife.com Podcast -> bit.ly/adoptivemomlifepodcast Private FB Group -> bit.ly/adoptivemomlife Become an Insider - > AMLInsider     Next Steps:   Step 1: Join the private community with other adoptive moms looking for support and camaraderie at Adoptive Mom Life.   Step 2: Sign up for the monthly Adoptive Mom Life Newsletter here.    
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2 weeks ago
47 minutes

Adoptive Mom Life | Open Adoption, Adoptive Parenting, Birth Family, Christian Community, Biblical Encouragement
Adoptive Moms: Join me for a LIVE workshop on October 28th!
Hey friend!  Join me live for a FREE workshop just for adoptive mamas carrying the weight of it all. It’s called From Guilt to Grace: Release the Weight of “Not Enough” and Find Rest in Truth.   Bring your Bible, your workbook, and your favorite cozy drink — and let’s walk together from guilt to grace.   Save your spot at the link below!   Those who show up live and stay until the end will be entered to win a door prize! Woot woot!   >>>  Register for the LIVE workshop here!!   Contact - > Carly@adoptivemomlife.com Podcast -> bit.ly/adoptivemomlifepodcast Private FB Group -> bit.ly/adoptivemomlife Become an Insider - > AMLInsider     Next Steps:   Step 1: Join the private community with other adoptive moms looking for support and camaraderie at Adoptive Mom Life.   Step 2: Sign up for the monthly Adoptive Mom Life Newsletter here.  
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3 weeks ago
4 minutes

Adoptive Mom Life | Open Adoption, Adoptive Parenting, Birth Family, Christian Community, Biblical Encouragement
58 | Normal vs. Trauma Behavior: How to Tell the Difference (and What to Do!) — with Adoption Therapist Jeanette Yoffe, Part I
How do you know if your adopted child’s behavior is normal… or rooted in trauma? This is a question I hear from adoptive moms all the time!   In this episode, I chat with Jeanette Yoffe — adoptee, therapist, author, speaker, and founder of Celia Center and Yoffe Therapy — about how to parent with connection and compassion.   We cover: How to spot when behaviors are trauma-related Simple tools and interventions to help kids process their complex stories The PACE model for attachment-focused parenting Why minimizing struggles amplifies them — and how connection diffuses them   Tune in for Part I today, and don’t miss Part II next week as we continue this essential conversation.   Contact - > Carly@adoptivemomlife.com Podcast -> bit.ly/adoptivemomlifepodcast Private FB Group -> bit.ly/adoptivemomlife Become an Insider - > AMLInsider     Next Steps:   Step 1: Join the private community with other adoptive moms looking for support and camaraderie at Adoptive Mom Life.   Step 2: Sign up for the monthly Adoptive Mom Life Newsletter here.    
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3 weeks ago
37 minutes

Adoptive Mom Life | Open Adoption, Adoptive Parenting, Birth Family, Christian Community, Biblical Encouragement
57 | Stuck in Survival Mode as an Adoptive Parent? Try This One Simple Reset
Have you ever caught yourself running on autopilot—snapping at your family, juggling endless tasks, and realizing you’re stuck in survival mode? As moms of adopted children, those heavy, chaotic weeks can leave us feeling drained and defeated.   In this episode, I share a simple reset you can use anytime, anywhere, to calm your mind, steady your heart, and step back into presence with your kids. It’s practical, faith-filled, and designed to remind you that you don’t have to stay stuck in survival mode—you can move forward with peace, one small step at a time.   And, I have some exciting news to share next week! Make sure you’re on the email list and in the Facebook group so you can be the first to know. Hint: it’s designed just for you as adoptive moms.     Contact - > Carly@adoptivemomlife.com Podcast -> bit.ly/adoptivemomlifepodcast Private FB Group -> bit.ly/adoptivemomlife Become an Insider - > AMLInsider     Next Steps:   Step 1: Join the private community with other adoptive moms looking for support and camaraderie at Adoptive Mom Life.   Step 2: Sign up for the monthly Adoptive Mom Life Newsletter here.    
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1 month ago
13 minutes

Adoptive Mom Life | Open Adoption, Adoptive Parenting, Birth Family, Christian Community, Biblical Encouragement
56 | Drowning in Screen Time Struggles? Try this Simple Teacher Hack
Are you drowning in screen time struggles with your kids?   After a long, hot summer where screens slowly shifted from an ‘extra’ to the default, I knew it was time to try something different. I came across a simple reward system from a first grade teacher, and it’s been a game-changer for our family.   As moms, we know too much screen time can impact our children’s brains, development, and attention spans. And as adoptive moms, we often feel an added responsibility to guide our kids toward becoming confident, balanced, and well-rounded little humans.   While not all screen time is bad—and not every reward system will fit every family—I hope this episode encourages you to take an honest look at the role screens play in your home. If something feels ‘off,’ I pray that you feel equipped and empowered to make small changes that bring more balance to your family.   Articles referenced from PubMed here and here.     Contact - > Carly@adoptivemomlife.com Podcast -> bit.ly/adoptivemomlifepodcast Private FB Group -> bit.ly/adoptivemomlife Become an Insider - > AMLInsider     Next Steps:   Step 1: Join the private community with other adoptive moms looking for support and camaraderie at Adoptive Mom Life.   Step 2: Sign up for the monthly Adoptive Mom Life Newsletter here.  
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1 month ago
19 minutes

Adoptive Mom Life | Open Adoption, Adoptive Parenting, Birth Family, Christian Community, Biblical Encouragement
55 | Adoptive Parents, Trauma, and the Nervous System: What You Must Know (with Trauma Therapist, Keli Tondre, PART II)
Ever feel like you’re stuck in survival mode as an adoptive mom? In the second half of this two-part episode, I’m joined by Keli Tondre, adoptive mom, trauma therapist, and founder of Tondre Therapeutics.     Keli shares both her personal adoption journey and her professional expertise to help us understand trauma, regulate our nervous systems, and find hope in the hard places.     We talk about:   Why adoption always carries trauma (even in the best situations) What Polyvagal Theory + Internal Family Systems mean for adoptive parent Simple ways to know when you are dysregulated—and how to reset The importance of co-regulation in parenting our kids     Keli also shares her program, the Adoptive and Foster Parent Trauma Transformation, which offers online teaching, group coaching, and community for parents who want to move from surviving to thriving.     Resources Mentioned: No Bad Parts by Dr. Richard Schwartz Altogether You by Jenna Riemersma The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog by Bruce D Perry How We Feel app     Be sure to go back and listen to PART I  of this eye-opening conversation.     Connect with Keli:   tondretherapeutics.com To book a call: tondretherapeutics.com/call To view masterclass: tondretherapeutics.com/webinar     **Use referral code CARLYGRACE for a program BONUS!     Contact - > Carly@adoptivemomlife.com Podcast -> bit.ly/adoptivemomlifepodcast Private FB Group -> bit.ly/adoptivemomlife Become an Insider - > AMLInsider     Next Steps:   Step 1: Join the private community with other adoptive moms looking for support and camaraderie at Adoptive Mom Life.   Step 2: Sign up for the monthly Adoptive Mom Life Newsletter here.
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1 month ago
30 minutes

Adoptive Mom Life | Open Adoption, Adoptive Parenting, Birth Family, Christian Community, Biblical Encouragement
54 | Adoptive Parents, Trauma, and the Nervous System: What You Must Know (with Trauma Therapist, Keli Tondre, PART I)
Ever feel like you’re stuck in survival mode as an adoptive mom? In this episode, I’m joined by Keli Tondre, adoptive mom, trauma therapist, and founder of Tondre Therapeutics.     Keli shares both her personal adoption journey and her professional expertise to help us understand trauma, regulate our nervous systems, and find hope in the hard places.       We talk about: Why adoption always carries trauma (even in the best situations) What Polyvagal Theory + Internal Family Systems mean for adoptive parent Simple ways to know when you are dysregulated—and how to reset The importance of co-regulation in parenting our kids       Keli also shares her program, the Adoptive and Foster Parent Trauma Transformation, which offers online teaching, group coaching, and community for parents who want to move from surviving to thriving.     Resources Mentioned: No Bad Parts by Dr. Richard Schwartz Altogether You by Jenna Riemersma The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog by Bruce D Perry How We Feel app       Be sure to tune in next week for PART 2 of this eye-opening conversation.     Connect with Keli:   tondretherapeutics.com To book a call: tondretherapeutics.com/call To view masterclass: tondretherapeutics.com/webinar     **Use referral code CARLYGRACE for a program BONUS!               Contact - > Carly@adoptivemomlife.com Podcast -> bit.ly/adoptivemomlifepodcast Private FB Group -> bit.ly/adoptivemomlife Become an Insider - > AMLInsider     Next Steps:   Step 1: Join the private community with other adoptive moms looking for support and camaraderie at Adoptive Mom Life.   Step 2: Sign up for the monthly Adoptive Mom Life Newsletter here.
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1 month ago
38 minutes

Adoptive Mom Life | Open Adoption, Adoptive Parenting, Birth Family, Christian Community, Biblical Encouragement
53 | Parenting from Fear? Embrace Your Adopted Child in the Present and Trust God with Their Future
“I just want to know that my child is going to be okay.”   If you’ve ever whispered those words, you’re not alone. As adoptive moms, our deepest desire is for our children to feel fully known, fully loved, secure in their identity, and at peace with their story. But sometimes, fear of the future sneaks in and quietly begins shaping the way we parent.   In this episode, we’re unpacking: Why fear-based parenting shows up so often for adoptive moms How fears about birth family history, not being “enough,” or our child feeling different can shift how we show up The impact this has on our kids (and on us!) A better way forward—parenting from presence, connection, and trust in God   What if instead of trying to control outcomes, we could meet our child right where they are today? What if we could release the fear and surrender their future to the God who already chose us to be their parent?   Let's keep this conversation going! If this episode resonates with you, book your coaching call with me today.    FREE coaching call application -> bit.ly/AMLcoaching (**limited time only**) Contact - > Carly@adoptivemomlife.com Podcast -> bit.ly/adoptivemomlifepodcast Private FB Group -> bit.ly/adoptivemomlife Become an Insider - > AMLInsider  
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2 months ago
18 minutes 18 seconds

Adoptive Mom Life | Open Adoption, Adoptive Parenting, Birth Family, Christian Community, Biblical Encouragement
52 | From Chaos to Calm: Back-to-School Tips for Adoptive Families
It’s that time of year again….back to school!   Back-to-school season can feel like a whirlwind — new routines, new teachers, new anxieties… and that’s just for us moms! ;) For our adopted kids, this time of year can bring extra layers of worry, big feelings, and tricky transitions that other families might not experience.   But here’s the good news — we don’t have to just survive this season, we can actually create a smoother, more peaceful start to the school year, which creates a more peaceful home year-round.   So today, I’m sharing my best tips for helping your child feel prepared, starting them on the right foot each morning, partnering with their teachers, and keeping the peace at home when the school day is done.   Grab your coffee, friend, and let’s jump in.     FREE coaching call application -> bit.ly/AMLcoaching (**limited time only**) Contact - > Carly@adoptivemomlife.com Podcast -> bit.ly/adoptivemomlifepodcast Private FB Group -> bit.ly/adoptivemomlife Become an Insider - > AMLInsider     Next Steps:   Step 1: Join the private community with other adoptive moms looking for support and camaraderie at Adoptive Mom Life.   Step 2: Sign up for the monthly Adoptive Mom Life Newsletter here.   Step 3: Get more personalized support with a Coffee & Connection Coaching Call. A 60-minute clarity call with me, Carly, to uncover your greatest pain points and get to the next level in your adoptive parenting journey. Fill out the intake form here: bit.ly/AMLcoaching
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2 months ago
31 minutes 14 seconds

Adoptive Mom Life | Open Adoption, Adoptive Parenting, Birth Family, Christian Community, Biblical Encouragement
51 | Ending Summer on a Connected Note: A Reflection for Adoptive Families
On today's episode, we're reflecting back on summertime with our adopted kids. How did it feel? Was it relaxing, jam-packed, or slow and steady? Did you intentionally spend time connecting as a family?    If you're wrapping up summer and have just a week or two left, how can you spend it best? What kind of lasting memories do you want to leave your kids with? Let's brainstorm together in this episode and come up with a few small but impactful ways to go out with a bang.      FREE coaching call application -> bit.ly/AMLcoaching (**limited time only**) Contact - > adoptivemomlife@gmail.com Podcast -> bit.ly/adoptivemomlifepodcast Private FB Group -> bit.ly/adoptivemomlife Become an Insider - > AMLInsider     Next Steps: Step 1: Join the private community with other adoptive moms looking for support and camaraderie at Adoptive Mom Life. Step 2: Sign up for the monthly Adoptive Mom Life Newsletter here. Step 3: Get more personalized support with a Coffee & Connection Coaching Call. A 60-minute clarity call with me, Carly, to uncover your greatest pain points and get to the next level in your adoptive parenting journey. Fill out the intake form here: bit.ly/AMLcoaching
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2 months ago
17 minutes 22 seconds

Adoptive Mom Life | Open Adoption, Adoptive Parenting, Birth Family, Christian Community, Biblical Encouragement
50 | Family Movies and Trauma: What Adoptive Parents Need to Know Before Pressing Play
Summer is a great time for snuggling up and watching family movies together. There are SO many family-friendly movies that have subtle adoption and foster themes, while others are clearly adoption-centered.   Some are heartwarming and contain deep and valuable insight about love, belonging and overcoming hardships, while others miss the mark or cause more confusion than clarity.   On today’s episode, we’re talking about a handful of family-friendly movies with foster and  adoption themes AND potential triggers that I want you moms to be in-the-know about as you consider watching them with your kids.   **We’re celebrating the podcast’s ONE YEAR anniversary with a giveaway! Simply leave us a review, take a screenshot and email me the screenshot to get your entry! You could be the winner of a $25 Amazon gift card to buy or rent your own movie for your next family movie night!** Drawing ends August 6, 2025.     FREE coaching call application -> bit.ly/AMLcoaching (**limited time only**) Contact - > adoptivemomlife@gmail.com Podcast -> bit.ly/adoptivemomlifepodcast Private FB Group -> bit.ly/adoptivemomlife Become an Insider - > AMLInsider     Next Steps: Step 1: Join the private community with other adoptive moms looking for support and camaraderie at Adoptive Mom Life. Step 2: Sign up for the monthly Adoptive Mom Life Newsletter here. Step 3: Get more personalized support with a Coffee & Connection Coaching Call. A 60-minute clarity call with me, Carly, to uncover your greatest pain points and get to the next level in your adoptive parenting journey. Fill out the intake form here: bit.ly/AMLcoaching
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3 months ago
32 minutes 4 seconds

Adoptive Mom Life | Open Adoption, Adoptive Parenting, Birth Family, Christian Community, Biblical Encouragement
49 | Community is Critical for Adoptive Moms and a BIG Announcement!
Being in community with one another is ALL over the bible. Friends, I don’t think living alongside other believers is a bonus, I think it’s part of God’s bigger picture for our lives -- for being the moms He has called us to be when He assigned us these beautiful humans to care for, shepherd and love.   If fear of all the unknowns of parenting adopted kids has held you back for too long, let me come alongside you. Let me hold space for you. Let me cheer you on and encourage you with faith-based strategies.   Click the link below to fill out an application for a FREE 60-minute coaching session. For a short time only, I have space for FIVE mamas. Let’s have coffee and connection time, adoptive mom to adoptive mom.   I’ll see you on the other side!   FREE coaching call application -> bit.ly/AMLcoaching (**limited time only**) Contact - > adoptivemomlife@gmail.com Podcast -> bit.ly/adoptivemomlifepodcast Private FB Group -> bit.ly/adoptivemomlife Become an Insider - > AMLInsider     Next Steps:   Step 1: Join the private community with other adoptive moms looking for support and camaraderie at Adoptive Mom Life.   Step 2: Sign up for the monthly Adoptive Mom Life Newsletter here.   Step 3: Get more personalized support with a Coffee & Connection Coaching Call. A 60-minute clarity call with me, Carly, to uncover your greatest pain points and get to the next level in your adoptive parenting journey. bit.ly/AMLcoaching
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3 months ago
11 minutes 58 seconds

Adoptive Mom Life | Open Adoption, Adoptive Parenting, Birth Family, Christian Community, Biblical Encouragement
48 | Lacking Community? 6 Ways to Find Your Village as an Adoptive Mom (You’re Not Alone)
Do you have a group of people you’re doing life with, or are you sitting on the other side wishing you had a group of people to do life with as an adoptive parent?   Friends, what if I told you it wasn’t just “nice to have” but also biblical to live in community with likeminded people? What if I told you it would bring down your stress levels, improve the lens in which you view inevitable challenges in life, and increase your resilience to whatever adoptive parenting throws your way?   If you’re lacking a support system or other moms who just get it, stick around because we’re going to talk about 6 ways to develop a support system and community as an adoptive mom!   Contact - > adoptivemomlife@gmail.com Podcast -> bit.ly/adoptivemomlifepodcast Private FB Group -> bit.ly/adoptivemomlife Become an Insider - > AMLInsider   Next Steps: Step 1: Join the private community with other adoptive moms looking for support and camaraderie at Adoptive Mom Life. Step 2: Sign up for the monthly Adoptive Mom Life Newsletter here. Step 3: Get more personalized support with a Coffee & Connection Coaching Call. A 60-minute clarity call with me, Carly, to uncover your greatest pain points and get to the next level in your adoptive parenting journey. Email me at adoptivemomlife@gmail.com.  
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3 months ago
19 minutes 54 seconds

Adoptive Mom Life | Open Adoption, Adoptive Parenting, Birth Family, Christian Community, Biblical Encouragement
47 | Whose Birth Story Is It? Respectful Advocacy for Adopted Children
Our adopted children’s journey began long before we held them—and it’s sacred. It includes grief and beauty, pain and redemption. Some of it belongs only to them and the Lord.   In this episode, I dive into why we, as adoptive parents, share, and how we can be more mindful in what we share about our child’s story.   I also give you 4 “heart check” questions to ask yourself before sharing something that feels conflicting.   If you’re a Christian adoptive mom who wants to advocate for your child while honoring their privacy, integrity, and dignity…this episode is for you!   Contact - > adoptivemomlife@gmail.com Podcast -> bit.ly/adoptivemomlifepodcast Private FB Group -> bit.ly/adoptivemomlife Become an Insider - > AMLInsider  
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3 months ago
18 minutes 50 seconds

Adoptive Mom Life | Open Adoption, Adoptive Parenting, Birth Family, Christian Community, Biblical Encouragement
46 | Pouring From an Empty Cup: How Adoptive Moms Can Refill with Purpose
Are you an adoptive mom who feels weary? Do you try to juggle everything only to be left feeling depleted?   On today’s episode, I’m giving you tips for refilling your empty cup so you can pour into your children and be the mom God has called you to be.   Email Me: heartgrownmamapodcast@gmail.com Join our private community on Facebook: bit.ly/adoptivemomlife    
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4 months ago
24 minutes 42 seconds

Adoptive Mom Life | Open Adoption, Adoptive Parenting, Birth Family, Christian Community, Biblical Encouragement
45 | Feeling Disconnected from Your Child? 5 Fun Ways for Adoptive Parents to Connect this Summer
Welcome back to Adoptive Mom Life! If you’ve been feeling a little disconnected from your child lately — especially as an adoptive parent — you are not alone.   Summer can be this open stretch of relaxing free time, but it can also bring up emotions, boredom, tricky behaviors, or dysregulation. And sometimes, summer can unintentionally be filled with too much solo time or screen time for your child.   As moms, we sometimes wonder, “Am I doing enough?” “Are we connected?” “Are there more ways I can truly connect with my child?”   On today’s episode, we’re diving into 5 fun, easy ways to connect with your child this summer — all through the lens of building trust, joy, and attachment.   These tips are designed to help you feel more bonded, laugh more, and create moments that really become memories down the road for you and your child.   And what’s more? They’re so simple! Let’s get into it.     Email Me: heartgrownmamapodcast@gmail.com Join our private community on Facebook: bit.ly/adoptivemomlife
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4 months ago
25 minutes 58 seconds

Adoptive Mom Life | Open Adoption, Adoptive Parenting, Birth Family, Christian Community, Biblical Encouragement
44 | Feeling Like You’re Not Enough? 5 Bible Verses Every Adoptive Mom Needs
Hey mama! If you've ever felt the whisper that you're not enough, this episode is for you!    Does that mom guilt creep in more often than you’d like? From the small things, like feeding them too many chicken nuggets and not enough veggies, to the BIG stuff, like being fully responsible for their relationship with their birth families as they grow up.   As a mom, it can feel impossible to do it all sometimes and meet the needs of everyone in the home, but it can also feel like we’re simply not enough.   As an adoptive mom, sometimes the guilt or the weight is just a little bit heavier. Well friends, feeling like you aren’t enough is a lie from the enemy.   Today, I want to give you some biblical truth straight from the Word to combat the lies about your worth as a mama.   Let’s dive in!    Email Me: heartgrownmamapodcast@gmail.com Join our private Facebook community: Adoptive Mom Life  
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4 months ago
17 minutes 28 seconds

Adoptive Mom Life | Open Adoption, Adoptive Parenting, Birth Family, Christian Community, Biblical Encouragement
Episode 43: 10 Survival Tips for Summer with Kids as a Work-At-Home Mom
It’s summertime! Maybe your kids are out of school for summer, or they’re about to be! This is when either excitement or panic sets in for you, mama!   For all of you work-at-home moms, how do you navigate a peaceful summer where they have fun, but you’re able to get actual work done, too? How can you balance your need for vocation and vacation? Your must-dos and your want-tos? Your needs and their needs?     Whether you work at home or you’re a SAHM, we’re all trying to create fun, lasting summer memories while our kids are still at home – and time with our kids living at home is fleeting! But how do we create that illusive BALANCE during summer?   On today’s episode, I share 10 fantastic tips for juggling WAHM life with kids and summertime!   Until next time, friends.     Email Me: heartgrownmamapodcast@gmail.com Check out the blog: heartgrownmama.com Find our private community on Facebook: Heartgrown Mama Check out our digital adoption journal: https://heartgrownmama.com/waiting-well-journal/
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5 months ago
35 minutes 2 seconds

Adoptive Mom Life | Open Adoption, Adoptive Parenting, Birth Family, Christian Community, Biblical Encouragement
Do you struggle to find the right words to share your adopted child’s stories with them? Do you pray that your child will be able to maintain a strong relationship with their birth families? Do you worry about your child’s mental health or behavioral diagnoses? Ever feel like you’re never enough? Do you find yourself parenting from a place of fear? I am so glad God led you here! This podcast will help you raise connected and self-aware kids, navigate their stories with love and intention, cultivate healthy, open relationships with their birth families, and guide you through seasons of mental health or trauma-related challenges, all while supporting your own needs as a mama. Hey, I’m Carly. A believer, work-at-home-mom, wife, and adoptive mom to two amazing kids. After a long journey with infertility, we felt the Lord calling us to adopt our children. I realized that I didn’t really know how to parent kids from hard beginnings, navigate open relationships with birth families, or handle behavioral or mental health challenges that may come our way. Not only was there not a manual for raising children, there certainly wasn’t a manual for raising adopted children. I felt alone. Once I let go of my own plans and fully embraced God’s plans for our family, I learned to lean into Him more than myself. I learned how to communicate in a healthy way with our birth families, and I figured out ways to parent my kids that worked for their unique needs. I also learned that I need to unapologetically fill my cup so I can better pour into my kids, especially when things get tough. I found my voice as an adoptive mom and found other adoptive moms to link arms with. I created a sounding board and support system for myself and other adoptive moms through this podcast, where I talk candidly about parenting adopted kids, and bring in experts in areas where we need the most help. I pray these honest conversations bless you as much as they’ve blessed me! If you’re ready to... Be the best mom you can be to your children, Gain skills in parenting their unique needs, Support your child’s identity and their sense of belonging in your family, Help share their stories in an age-appropriate and supportive way, Navigate birth family relationships for the long haul, Fill your cup so you can be a joyful, present mom, And trust God with the outcome of your child’s life - this podcast is for you! Top off that iced coffee and grab a comfy seat - it’s time to dive in.