From Abortion to Adoption With Robin Gerblick

Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! 

In this episode, I am joined by a very special guest! I first met Allison when she taught at an adoption support group last Fall, and I just knew she had to be on the podcast! Allison is a trauma informed sleep expert, something which did not exist when she was raising her adopted son who struggled at night. Needless to say, sleep is crucial for everyones healthphysical, mental, and emotional! Yet sleep is not something we as parents fully understand and that is why this episode is so important. 

Together, Allison and I emphasize the importance of understanding the emotional and psychological aspects of sleep, shifting parental mindsets, and providing children with tools to help them feel safe and secure at bedtime. We discuss the complexities of parenting, particularly in the context of sleep issues faced by children. We explore the importance of consistency in parenting, the need for trial and error in finding effective strategies, and the significance of creating a safe and comforting sleep environment. We also address the impact of sleep deprivation on both children and parents, emphasizing the necessity of community support and self-care for caregivers. We highlight the emotional challenges faced by parents, particularly those in foster care and adoption, and offer practical advice for building confidence and reframing expectations in the parenting journey. 

I learned so much from Allison and I know you will too! So many eye-opening points which help me reframe my understanding of sleep and trauma, and how the two are connected. Here are a few key takeaways: 

-Sleep is a vulnerable act for children, especially those with trauma.

-Understanding the emotional triggers around sleep is crucial.

-Parents should shift their mindset from discipline to support during sleep struggles.

-Adding tools to a child's sleep routine can help them feel more secure.

-It's important to view sleep as an opportunity for bonding and connection.

-Children need time to adjust to new environments and routines.

-Parents should approach sleep challenges with compassion and understanding.

-Building trust takes time and consistency in sleep routines . 

I am so glad youve decided to join us today! Below are ways to connect with Allison:

https://www.dwellpediatricsleep.com/about-me 

https://www.instagram.com/dwellpediatricsleep/ 

You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at [email protected].

I'd love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more!

Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! 

In this episode, I am joined by Della Lago, an adoptive mom and  advocate for how Christians everywhere can play a role in supporting teens in the foster care system. Della shares her personal journey of adopting a 17-year-old girl from a group home, discussing the challenges and triumphs of building trust and connection. Our conversation highlights the realities faced by teens aging out of foster care, the importance of community support, and the need for a safe space for these youth to dream and thrive.

 Della emphasizes that every child deserves a family and encourages listeners to step up and make a difference. She also shares the importance of understanding trauma, the need for community support, and the role of faith in the healing process. Together, we provide practical advice for families considering foster care and highlights the significance of being open to unexpected joys and connections that come with this journey. 

I am so glad youve decided to join us today! Below are resources from Della to learn more:  

https://nationalcasagal.org/ 

https://bethany.org/

https://enotahcasa.org/ 

You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at [email protected].

I'd love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more!

Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! 

In this episode, I am joined by Whitney Newby, author of the new book Lift Your Eyes: Daily Invitations to Behold Christ in Motherhood, founder of Brighter Day Press, and a homeschooling mom of four. Whitney joins me to talk about the challenges and beauty of motherhood, particularly in the context of foster care and adoption. 

Whitney shares insights from her upcoming devotional based on Psalm 121, emphasizing God's attributes as a source of comfort and strength for mothers. Our conversation highlights the importance of relying on God for help and rest amidst the demands of parenting. Together, we explore the challenges of motherhood, emphasizing the importance of faith in God's provision, overcoming feelings of failure and comparison, and finding stillness amidst the chaos. We also offer practical ways to lift our eyes to Christ and incorporate biblical truths into daily rhythms, encouraging mothers to trust in God's promises and create an atmosphere of worship in their homes.

Here are a few takeaways: 

-Psalm 121 is a comforting scripture for mothers.

-God's attributes provide strength and reassurance in motherhood.

-Jesus invites us to find rest in Him amidst our weariness.

-God's grace is sufficient for us in our weaknesses.

-We need to lean on God as our helper and provider. Leaning into faith in God's provision is essential for mothers.

-Comparison can lead to feelings of isolation and guilt.

-Living out our faith in front of our children is impactful.

Connect with Whitney: 

Website

New book

Instagram

You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at [email protected].

I'd love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more!

Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! 

In this episode, I discuss the challenges and realities of waiting for adoption. The most important thing is trusting God during this process and part of that is managing expectations and actively engaging in the waiting process through praise, seeking God, and serving others. Throughout todays conversation, I want to encourage you with scripture and my own experience as someone who struggles to wait. 

Here are a few takeaways: 

-Waiting is a part of life and a valuable experience.

-Impatience is a common struggle, not limited to modern society.

-The average wait time for adoption can be lengthy and unpredictable.

-Adoption often involves the reality of broken families.

-We can control our expectations, how we wait, and what we do while we wait.

You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at [email protected].

I'd love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more!

Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! 

In this episode, I discuss what to do and how to respond to the choices our adopted or foster children make. This topic is one of the first inspirations for this podcast as many families have asked me what to do when a situation arises where your child is making problematic, concerning, even destructive and harmful choices.

It is important to always remember that God is in control and we cannot control our children. Even in the most loving Christian homes, children will be led astray and make bad choices. The question in this episode is how do we respond to it in a loving and protective way. I encourage you to acknowledge your weakness, embrace your role as the parent, and understand that your childs choices do not define you as a parent, nor do they define your child. 

Heres a few key takeaways youll find in this episode: 

-Trusting God is essential when facing challenges in parenting.

-Parents should not lose confidence in their role due to children's choices.

-Love should be confident and not fearful.

-It's okay to acknowledge weaknesses and seek support from God.

-Perfection in parenting is unrealistic; mistakes will happen.

-Children's identities are not defined by their parents' successes or failures.

You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at [email protected].

I'd love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more!