Episode 27: Parenting for Connection, Not Perfection (w/Melissa Corkum)

Episode 27: Parenting for Connection, Not Perfection (w/Melissa Corkum)

If you’re a foster, adoptive, or kinship parent, it’s easy to feel like your child’s behavior is the scorecard for your success. In this episode, parent coach and Korean adoptee Melissa Corkum helps reframe that belief entirely—showing why behavior isn’t the measure, and why your nervous system, presence, and connection matter far more than any outcome. Melissa shares candidly about parenting six kids, navigating intense crisis seasons, experiencing out‑of‑home care for safety, and confronting the shame that often comes with feeling like you’re “not enough.” She explains how flipping the “kids first” pyramid, caring for her own nervous system, and practicing daily “points of joy” allowed her to reconnect with her children — and herself — when everything felt overwhelming. 💡 What You’ll Learn * Why behavior isn’t an accurate measure of your parenting * How to define success by what’s in your control (your output) * What nervous system care actually looks like for parents in the trenches * How “points of joy” can slowly repair burnout and blocked care * Why prioritizing yourself is essential — not selfish * How tools like the Safe and Sound Protocol support overwhelmed caregivers 🔍 Key Insight Success in parenting isn’t defined by behavior charts, calm days, or perfect outcomes. It’s defined by connection, presence, and a regulated nervous system — especially when things get hard. 🔗 Resources * Learn more from Melissa & explore nervous system resources: https://risetoregulation.com/ * Find Melissa on social: https://www.instagram.com/melissacorkum_/, https://www.facebook.com/macorkum/ #fostercare #adoption #kinshipcare #traumainformed #nervoussystemregulation #parentburnout #blockedcare #parentingkidsfromhardplaces #SafeAndSoundProtocol #parentingpodcast #MelissaCorkum

Episode 26: More Than Roommates (w/ Ryan & Kayla North)

In trauma‑informed parenting, marriage can drift into survival mode — fast. In this episode, Ryan & Kayla North share how they’ve stayed more than roommates through 24 years of marriage, 30 foster placements, adoption, and the realities of raising kids with big needs. They offer real-life tools for staying united: weekly date rhythms, transparent communication, dealing with triangulation, repairing with genuine apologies, and doing your own self‑work before trying to “fix” your kids. Their honesty and humor make this a deeply encouraging conversation for couples who feel stretched thin. What You’ll Learn * How to avoid drifting into “roommate mode” * Why Unity — not agreement — is the key to hard-season parenting * How to handle triangulation & manipulation without dividing * Why repairing with apologies models secure connection * How to regulate yourself before addressing behaviors * Practical ways to protect time, communication & connection Key Insight A resilient marriage isn’t built by avoiding conflict but by repairing well, communicating honestly, and staying united — even when parenting feels heavy. Resource Links * More from Ryan & Kayla: https://www.onebighappyhome.com [https://www.onebighappyhome.com] #marriage #fostercare #adoption #kinshipcare #traumainformed #roommatestoteammates #connectedmarriage #parentingkidsfromhardplaces #marriageresources

BONUS Episode: Just For Dads (w/ Jason Johnson)

This bonus episode features Jason Johnson in a candid conversation about why connection matters for foster, adoptive, and kinship dads. After hearing consistent feedback from foster families across the state, Child Bridge is launching a Just For Dads Journey Group, beginning in mid May 2026, to give dads a space where they can connect with men who understand the unique challenges and pressures of this calling. What You’ll Learn: * Why community is essential for foster/adoptive/kinship dads * How connection reframes discouragement, busyness, and expectations * Why Montana families asked for this group — and how it meets a critical need * Practical encouragement for showing up, even when life is full Key Insight: You don’t have to have it all together — just be willing to bring what you have. Connection multiplies strength. Resources: The Just For Dads Journey Group is being offered as both a daytime and evening group beginning in mid May. Learn more and register here: https://bit.ly/4tMr47V [https://bit.ly/4tMr47V] #FosterDads #MontanaFosterCare #AdoptiveFamilies #KinshipCare #JasonJohnson #ChildBridge #JustForDads #FosterCareSupport

Episode 25: The Thing Beneath The Thing (w/Jason Johnson)

What if the fear keeping you from fostering isn’t the real fear at all? Jason Johnson joins us to discuss the “thing beneath the thing,” why fostering often reveals more about us than we expect, and how families can navigate doubt with wisdom and faith. Whether you’re just exploring or already fostering, this conversation offers grounding, clarity, and compassion. 💡 What You’ll Learn: - Understanding “the thing beneath the thing” - How to navigate fears around attachment and grief - Caring for biological and adopted kids while fostering - When spouses aren’t on the same page - Why outcomes don’t define success 📖 Key Insight:God doesn’t call us to control the outcome — He calls us to be faithful with the next step. 📌 Explore More Resources: - Hear more from Jason on his website: jasonjohnsonblog.com - Learn more about becoming a foster parent in Montana by visiting childbridgemontana.org/foster -Find trauma-informed resources for your foster, adoptive or kinship journey at childbridgemontana.org/resources 👉 Subscribe for More:Subscribe today for foster care insights, adoption stories, and practical tools for kinship families. #FosterCareJourney #FaithDrivenParenting #FosterDad #AdoptiveFamilies #KinshipCare

Episode 24: The God Who Sees Me (w/ Amy J. Brown)

Parenting children with trauma and invisible disabilities can feel isolating and overwhelming. In this episode, Amy J. Brown — author, mentor, and mom to six — shares her journey and practical tools for navigating grief, building resilience, and leaning into God’s presence in the chaos. Whether you’re fostering, adopting, or caring for kinship kids, you’ll discover hope, encouragement, and strategies to thrive in the hardest seasons. What You’ll Learn: * * How to process grief and avoid isolation * * Practical strategies for resilience and connection * * Why invisible disabilities require unique understanding * * How faith can anchor you in overwhelming seasons Key Insight: You are not alone — God sees you, and there is hope even in the hardest moments. Resources: * * Find more parenting resources at https://www.childbridgemontana.org/resource-library [https://www.childbridgemontana.org/resource-library] * * Visit https://www.amyjbrown.com [https://www.amyjbrown.com] to learn more about Amy