Beyond the Home Study

"On the Road Again" | Summer Travel Tips

Traveling with kids can be beautiful, stressful, meaningful, and unpredictable all at the same time—especially for adoptive families. In this re-release episode, we revisit our conversation about traveling with flexibility, realistic expectations, and grace for both parents and kids. We share practical tips for road trips, routines, snacks, sleep, entertainment, and creating felt safety while away from home. Whether you’re planning a summer vacation or just surviving a weekend away, we hope this episode encourages you. Next week, we’ll follow up with a brand new episode all about staying home with kids during the summer. Don’t forget to Like, Follow, & Share! Instagram, Facebook, & our website!

When Mother’s Day Feels Complicated

Mother’s Day can bring joy, gratitude, and celebration, but for many, it can also bring grief, longing, guilt, overwhelm, or complicated emotions. In this episode, we’re having an honest conversation about what it looks like when you don’t feel like celebrating Mother’s Day. We talk about the different experiences that can make this day difficult for adoptive moms, foster moms, biological moms, adoptees, and those navigating infertility, loss, or strained relationships. We also discuss the pressure to feel thankful or happy, and why making space for the hard emotions matters too. Whether Mother’s Day is a joyful day for you, a painful one, or a mix of both, we hope this episode helps you feel seen and less alone. Don’t forget to Like, Follow, & Share! Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/beyondthehomestudy/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577070186649], & our website [https://www.yourehomenetwork.com/]!

Adoptee, a National Director, & Raising 13 Kids | A Conversation with Sara

In this episode, we sit down with Sara, National Director of Family Recruitment and Retention at a large child welfare agency, adoptee, and adoptive mom of 13, for a conversation that brings together both professional expertise and deeply lived experience. Sara offers a rare perspective on adoption and foster care, shaped not only by her leadership in the child welfare system but also by her own story as someone who has experienced adoption from multiple angles. We talk about what it really takes to recruit and support families, where the system is working, and where there are still gaps. This conversation goes beyond policy and process. You won't want to miss it! Don't forget to Like, Follow, & Share! Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/beyondthehomestudy/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577070186649], and our website [https://www.yourehomenetwork.com/].

Wins, Woes, & What's Happening | April Update

Welcome back to our not-so-regular monthly life download. In this episode, we’re sharing our personal wins from April, the things that stretched us (because there’s always something), and what’s currently unfolding in our day-to-day lives. We also chat through what’s been on our minds lately and the little things helping us unwind when we’re running on empty. It’s honest, a little all over the place, and exactly the kind of conversation we’d be having if you were sitting on the couch with us. Don’t forget to Like, Follow, & Share! Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/beyondthehomestudy/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577070186649], & our website [https://www.yourehomenetwork.com/]

Adoption Scams & Hard Truths | Dan & Lindsay's Story

In this episode, Dan and Lindsay share their journey through infertility, adoption, and a situation that took an unexpected turn, including navigating an adoption scam and the ethical gaps that made it possible. Their story sheds light on the realities that aren’t always talked about and the importance of asking hard questions along the way. We talk about red flags, due diligence, and what it looks like to pursue adoption with both hope and wisdom. Through it all, their journey also points to resilience, faith, and the moment they finally welcomed their daughter. This episode is both cautionary and deeply hopeful and full of insight for anyone considering adoption. We’re so glad you’re here. Resources: A Step Ahead Adoption Services [https://astepaheadadoption.com/] Our Season 1 episode [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-home-study/id1802495683?i=1000735204267] with Valerie from A Step Ahead Don’t forget to Like, Follow, & Share! Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/beyondthehomestudy/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577070186649], & check out our website [https://www.yourehomenetwork.com/]!