“It’s Not Easy, But It Is Truly Worth It”: A Foster Mom Reveals the Truth Behind the Myths

About this episode

Foster mom Michelle Ward shares her experiences and the truths behind fostering, debunking myths and highlighting the emotional journey involved.

In this powerful episode, hosts Shasta Miller, Jessica Fox, and Ashton Kever sit down with foster mom Michelle Ward to uncover the raw truth about foster parenting - the myths, the heartbreak, the healing, and the life‑changing rewards. Michelle opens up about how a mission trip first sparked her interest in fostering, and how her own family’s history with abuse inspired her to open her home specifically to teens — including her daughter, who wanted to help other teens overcome trauma just as she had. But Michelle didn’t think she could foster at first. She was single, renting her home, and didn’t have a high income — three of the biggest misconceptions about foster parenting. Together, the hosts break down these common myths and explain what actually qualifies someone to foster. Michelle also shares unforgettable stories from her earliest placements, including a teen mother and her baby who became like family — and why their move‑out became her first true heartbreak as a foster parent. She doesn’t shy away from the hard parts either. From kids making false allegations to “hotlining” her over normal household rules, Michelle explains how trauma shapes behaviors — and why many…

People in this episode

Hosts: Shasta Miller, Jessica Fox, Ashton Kever

Guest: Michelle Ward

Topics covered

• foster parenting
• myths about fostering
• personal stories
• trauma
• family dynamics

Keywords

• foster care
• myths
• trauma
• parenting
• family
• heartbreak
• healing