Michaela Bates Talks Heartbreak Of Giving Up Her Foster Children

Bringing Up Bates star Michaela Bates returns online with big updates about her life as a foster parent. In May 2025, Michaela and Brandon announced that they fostered two little boys. One is a newborn, while the other is a 3-year-old. Michaela kept her kids away from the cameras to respect their privacy. But her life has drastically changed since. However, Michaela can’t help but feel heartbroken whenever she thinks about one thing regarding her foster kids. Keep reading to see what it was.

‘Bringing Up Bates‘: Michaela Bates Shares Updates About Life As A Foster Mom

Michaela recently took to IG Stories to answer questions from fans. One of them is about how her two kids are doing. According to the Bringing Up Bates star, her two boys are doing “very well,” adding that it was so much fun watching them grow. Michaela then revealed that her older boy is starting to read more, and it thrills her to watch him find joy in library trips.

She then revealed that her baby boy is learning to stand on his own and is starting to walk. Michaela is also looking forward to celebrating the birthday of her youngest boy. But despite all the happiness, Michaela can’t help but worry about the future.

Michaela Talks Heartbreak Of Giving Up Her Foster Children

Michaela then opened up about how fostering is an emotional roller coaster for her and Brandon. The Bringing Up Bates star then revealed that what encourages them the most is remembering where the boys came from and how far they have come in their healing journey. Another thing that encourages them is all the family and friends who keep messaging them about the kids and praying for them. In another one of her Q&A’s, Michaela revealed that adoption is definitely on the table if they’re given the opportunity. But they’re currently providing kids a loving home while their parents try to get the help they need.

Michaela is worried about the possibility of saying goodbye to her kids. Michaela hopes that she and Brandon gave the boys love that they will carry for the rest of their lives. Many fans are impressed by how Michaela never takes away the idea of returning the kids to their original parents.

• “I’m actually glad she is writing like the intention is for the children to return to their parents (that is the function of foster care) as so many hope for a termination of parental rights so they can adopt. Reunification when possible is the goal.”
• “I’m actually very impressed michael actually acknowledged the reunification and wants the bio parents to be able to get help to get the boys back. it will heartbreaking for her if/when they go back but she does seem to know it’s possible and really wants the bio parents to get better.”
• “She definitely has a healthy outlook at least for these questions–framing the bio parents as “getting the help they need” is really refreshing, especially for a very sheltered fundie couple. Good for them.”
• “No snark here, what a sad situation.”