Parenthood brings joy in many forms, as exemplified by Barry Farmer’s story. Growing up in foster care himself, Barry, a 34-year-old single father, adopted three children from the foster system, ensuring they had a consistent father figure in their lives—something he felt he lacked during his own childhood.
At Tinytotsblog, we are thrilled to highlight the story of individuals like Barry and share his inspiring journey with you.
Growing Up in Foster Care
Barry’s early years were spent in kinship care with his grandmother, Cora, and her partner, Tyson. His parents were unable to care for him, so at the age of five, he was welcomed into his grandmother’s home. Despite facing challenges, Barry recalls his time with his grandmother as a mix of difficult and uplifting moments, thanks to the support of a compassionate community.
Inspired by His Grandmother
Barry’s grandmother’s selflessness and dedication profoundly impacted him. Her love and care inspired him to give back by adopting children in foster care. As Barry puts it, “There was no way I could repay her, but I believe in paying it forward. That’s what I’m doing with my sons—offering them a second chance at having a family.”
Fatherhood and Adoption
In 2013, Barry adopted his first child, Xavier, when he was just 22. Despite his nerves, he was determined to be a present and involved father. Today, Barry proudly says he has achieved that goal, being the first person his sons see in the morning and the last one they see before bed.
The Challenges and Rewards of Single Parenthood
Raising three children as a single dad comes with its challenges, but Barry approached it with dedication and experience, having worked with children throughout his life. His sons are now growing up—Jackson is 19, Xavier is 17, and Jeremiah is 11. Despite the demands of parenting, Barry remains actively involved in supporting foster youth.
He is a spokesperson for Adopt Us Kids, the creator of the largest online support group for Foster Care and Adoptive Families, and hosts The Foster Care & Adoption Life talk web series. Barry also runs The Barry Farmer Morning Show, a nationally syndicated radio program based in Richmond, Virginia.
Do you know of other acts of kindness that deserve global recognition? Share inspiring stories with us, and we might feature them in our next article.
