Note: In this episode, Jami talks about her pregnancy—but don’t worry, you didn’t miss another baby announcement! If you’re part of our TFI family, you know her sweet little one has already arrived. This episode was recorded back in January!
Sometimes, it can feel like the conversation within the foster care community is predominantly shaped by female voices. While it’s wonderful to have such a strong female perspective in this space, it can be a challenge for men to find resources that speak to their unique experiences.
This is the heartbeat behind the Foster Fathers podcast. Hosts Chris Easley and Kyle Seick are striving to create a community where men can learn and grow from one another within the context of foster care.
Chris and Kyle met during virtual foster care training classes in Boise, Idaho. They quickly bonded over shared humor and mutual support as they embarked on their foster care journeys. Together they offer valuable advice, encouragement, and connection to other foster and adoptive fathers who are navigating the joys and struggles that come with this calling.
In this episode, you’ll hear what inspired Chris and Kyle to become foster fathers, an honest take on some of the challenges of foster care and adoption, common misconceptions about the men and women who become foster parents, and much more.
- Foster Fathers Podcast
- Connect with Chris and Kyle on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube
- Give to The Forgotten Initiative
- Foster Care & the Church
TAKEAWAYS FROM TODAY’S CONVERSATION:
1. The foster care journey is full of complex emotions.
It’s important to surround yourself with supportive people who “get” it. For guys, that means finding a friend who will provide a safe space for you to talk about your feelings—someone who will encourage you to open up even when you’re tempted to shut down. It is crucial for both men and women to have people in their corner who understand the unique struggles of being a foster parent and can help you as you walk through hard situations.
“I never thought I could hold two emotions at the same time. To love a kid and want to hold her for the rest of her life while also pushing her into the arms of her mom, that’s an impossible feeling that no training can prepare you for.”
2. The Gospel is clearly reflected in the foster care community.
One truth that every foster parent learns to accept at some point is this: We are not the heroes coming in to save the day. While that may sound discouraging, it’s actually a freeing statement. It’s not our responsibility to rescue these children or their biological parents. And thank goodness that is the case! Jesus is the only Savior. In the same way that He came to Earth to rescue you and me, He also steps into the stories of the foster care community to rescue, save, restore, and reunite.
“I’m not the hero of this story. I’m a participant and a flawed one at that.”
3. Men are committed to foster care just as much as women.
It’s a misconception that women are the ones driving or dragging their husbands to participate in foster care. Seeing children in loving and safe homes is something that men are just as passionate about. Men have the opportunity to convey to children how much their Heavenly Father cares for them through their display of what it means to be a dad—and that’s a beautiful gift to give.
“It’s a misconception to think that men are just there and tolerating it in our house for our wives.”
Meet Our Guests
Chris Easley and Kyle Seick met during virtual foster care training classes in Boise, Idaho. The two quickly bonded over shared humor and mutual support as they embarked on their foster care journeys. Together, they launched the Foster Fathers podcast where they share the struggles and joys of foster care from a male perspective.
Kyle and his wife, Jessica, had no children at home before they started foster care. They began fostering with one placement and ultimately adopted four siblings. Kyle is very intentional with his time and energy. He has an impressive talent for building anything with his bare hands.
Chris and his wife, Traci, entered foster care after having one biological child. They received their first placement the same week they found out they were pregnant with their second biological child. They have since adopted a little girl, reunified a child, and are preparing to likely adopt another soon. Chris is a self-proclaimed nerd with a passion for sports and sports cards.
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