Episode 17 - From Foster Sibling of 54 kids to Nanny for a Foster Family: Clara's Story

In this episode of Dream Small, Jason and Whitney sit down with Clara — their former nanny and long-time family friend — to share a unique perspective that often goes unheard: what it’s like to grow up as a foster sibling.

Clara was only in second grade when her parents became foster parents, and over the years their home welcomed more than 50 children. As the oldest sibling, Clara experienced the ups and downs of foster care in ways that shaped her faith, her resilience, and even her career path. From the surprise of meeting her very first foster sisters to the chaos of courtroom visits, she opens up about the challenges of being a foster sibling, the seasons of bitterness she faced as a teenager, and how her parents found ways to make sure their biological children still felt seen and loved.

Jason and Whitney also reflect on how Clara became part of their own story, stepping into the role of nanny at a pivotal time for their family. Her experience with trauma, medical needs, and everyday parenting made her more than a caregiver — she became family.

In this conversation, you’ll hear:

• Clara’s first memories of foster care and what it was like to welcome new siblings overnight
• The struggles biological children may feel when their parents foster, including resentment and loneliness
• How her parents wisely used respite care and intentional one-on-one time to support their bio kids
• Why building community for foster siblings is just as important as support for foster or adopted kids
• The unexpected ways foster care prepared Clara for future jobs, responsibilities, and leadership
• How God used her childhood experiences to give her grit, compassion, and wisdom beyond her years

Clara’s story is both heartfelt and practical, offering encouragement and guidance for foster parents, biological kids in foster families, and anyone curious about the impact of foster care on the whole household.

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🎵 Music Credit: "Paradise Found" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) | Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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