What is positive adoption language and why is it important? Words have power in every aspect of life, words convey messages and feelings, and the way people choose words can indicate their true thoughts and values. When it comes to adoption, many people are not familiar or connected to the adoption process and may be less familiar with adoption terms. As adoption can be an
I read through a thread in an adoption support group recently that inspired this article. A sweet mama was asking for advice on a seemingly unhealthy relationship with her son’s biological parents. The birthmother was asking to schedule a visit with her child (3 years old) and based on the substance-abuse and how the previous meetups went, the adoptive mother did not think it was
We could talk about race, culture, and diversity until we’re blue in the face. It’s such a loaded, yet valid conversation in today’s world. Within the adoption community, there’s many conversations regarding transracial, interracial, and international adoption and how to embrace different races and cultural practices to help your adopted child learn about and embrace their biological roots. Now, you will find a million different
Traveling can be a feat on its own. But add a baby or toddler to the mix and it’s a full-on adventure! Many times, adoption involves travel unless you’re lucky enough to be matched with a local birthfamily and never have to venture too far. Otherwise, adoptive parents often go across states or even across the country to bring their baby home, meet with the
“Humor is the great thing, the saving thing. The minute it crops up, all our irritations and resentments slip away and a sunny spirit takes their place.” Mark Twain (1835-1910), American Novelist and Humorist There once was a king who lived in two-story grass hut. Every holiday the king demanded to be given a new throne as a gift. As soon as a new throne arrived, he
“The best cure for worry, depression, melancholy, brooding, is to go deliberately forth and try to lift with one’s sympathy the gloom of somebody else.” Arnold Bennett (1867-1931), British Novelist Parenting is inherently difficult work. Patience, endurance, and restraint are common traits that parents develop as they set boundaries, teach morals, and discipline their children. More difficulties compound when children and adolescents begin showing signs of
I went in to adoption with very little exposure of the concept. I didn’t have much knowledge on the subject nor know anyone personally who had adopted. It seemed so far-fetched, a mountain we couldn’t possibly climb. I was overwhelmed at the information online and the endless resources. In the beginning, I was paralyzed with fear and doubt. I had always been a planner. I
“When something goes wrong with children’s bodies, the reverberations penetrate deep into the consciousness of families and health professionals alike.” Susan McDaniel, Jeri Hepworth, and William Doherty, Medical Family Therapists Who of you parents have not stayed by the bedside of your child with a raspy cough, congested sinuses, warming temperature, or upset stomach? Illness is a strikingly predictable feature of childhood. Acute illness is bad
I have a confession to make. It may come as a surprise to many but I feel the need to come clean. I’m not a perfect parent. There…I said it! Now that your jaw is on the floor, perhaps I should confess everything else. Sometimes I: Ignore my children when they are talking to me Raise my voice Demand that they start acting like adults
We live in a society of change and speed—high speed internet, fast food, express lanes, instant messaging, the list goes on. Life’s stressors can also come upon us both fast and unexpected. We may be, one minute, basking in comfort and security but one hiccup can shake up our lives, throwing us into a state of fear and uncertainty. As we dwell in a world