From the First Time They Call you "Mom" to When It's Time to Say Goodbye cover art

From the First Time They Call you "Mom" to When It's Time to Say Goodbye

From the First Time They Call you "Mom" to When It's Time to Say Goodbye

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 Ep. 6 Opening your heart to foster a child is an act of love—but staying open when it hurts takes courage. This week on Licensed to Love, host Veronica welcomes Michelle Hinds back to the podcast for a deeply honest conversation about what it really means to become a foster family—and how that journey ultimately led her and her husband to adoption in New York State. As a dedicated home finder with Families Thrive and a foster/adoptive parent herself, Michelle brings a rare dual perspective. She shares what first drew her to fostering, the emotional reality of loving children who may not stay forever, and how understanding trauma, boundaries, and healthy attachment shapes everything. This episode is both tender and practical—offering reassurance to those considering fostering and affirmation to those already walking the path. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re strong enough to love children through uncertainty, this conversation will meet you right where you are. 🔗 Learn more about fostering and support services at 🌐 ⁠FamiliesThrive.org ⁠ 📞 Contact Families Thrive: 585-232-5110 Fostering is centered on meeting children’s immediate needs and can sometimes lead to unexpected adoption journeys Saying goodbye is one of the hardest parts of fostering—and caring for yourself is essential Every child expresses love differently, especially when trauma is involved Stability, structure, and patience can be life-changing for foster youth Supporting children doesn’t end at adulthood—long-term guidance matters “It’s our job to show them what healthy love is, right? With boundaries, expectations, and structure.” – Michelle “I had to look at her as her own person… and how she was going to show affection.” – Michelle “Take a chance on these kids… Teach them what it’s like to be in a family.” – Michelle 🎧 Listen now and learn what it truly means to love with intention—even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. Chapters: 0:00 Why We Chose Foster Care (And What We Didn’t Expect)3:24 The Emotional Reality of Foster Placements11:56 Loving Kids You Might Have to Let Go22:46 When Fostering Turns Into Adoption27:02 Parenting Foster & Adopted Teens Is Different34:38 Choosing Commitment When It Gets Hard37:17 Learning How a Foster Child Shows Love42:31 The First Time She Called Me “Mom”44:26 Building Trust Inside a New Family48:34 Love, Loss, and Growth After Adoption Key Takeaways:Notable Quotes: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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