Episode 11

Episode 11 - Why Foster Parents Need Respite: Rest, Renewal & the Ministry of Foster Care

Published on: 29th July, 2025

This week, we’re talking about something that took us over seven years of foster parenting to embrace: respite care. We dive into what respite care is, why it’s essential (not selfish!), and how it can actually strengthen your calling as a foster parent.

You’ll hear:

  • Why having “just four kids” felt like a vacation

  • The emotional and spiritual cost of fostering

  • Why rest is not only okay—it’s biblical

  • How respite care prevents burnout and supports long-term placement stability

  • Practical ways non-foster parents can make a huge difference by becoming respite providers

We also unpack stats on burnout, share some honest struggles, and reflect on how foster care is ministry—and ministry needs rhythm, including rest.

📖 Scriptures mentioned:

  • Mark 6:31 – “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

  • Isaiah 1:17 – “Defend the cause of the fatherless…”

  • Romans 12:13, Genesis 2:2–3, Matthew 11:28–30, Luke 5:15–16, Ephesians 1:5, John 15:13

If you’re a foster parent feeling tired or guilty about needing a break—this episode is for you. And if you're not a foster parent, we’ll show you exactly how you can step in and be the support that keeps a family going.

👉 Share this episode with a foster parent or someone who wants to help.

📩 Contact Us:
Email: dreamsmallpodcast@gmail.com
Instagram: @dreamsmallpodcast
Facebook: Dream Small Podcast
Twitter/X: @DreamSmallShow

🎵 Music credit:
“Paradise Found” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

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About the Podcast

Dream Small Podcast
The Dream Small Podcast is a foster care and adoption podcast hosted by Jason and Whitney Small, foster and adoptive parents who have welcomed more than 14 children into their home and adopted three. Through honest conversations and real life stories, the podcast encourages foster parents, adoptive families, and those considering foster care.

Each episode explores the realities of foster care, adoption, and parenting children from hard places, offering practical encouragement and hope for families navigating the foster care journey. Jason and Whitney share lessons from their own experience, faith, and conversations around trauma informed parenting, family life, and supporting vulnerable children.

Whether you are a current foster parent, an adoptive parent, considering becoming a foster parent, or someone who supports foster families, the Dream Small Podcast exists to encourage and equip you along the way.

Jason and Whitney believe that changing a child’s life rarely happens through big moments. More often, it happens through small, faithful acts of love lived out every day.

If you're thinking about becoming a foster parent or walking the foster care journey, this podcast will help you navigate the challenges, celebrate the wins, and stay encouraged along the way.
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