Your adopted child is starting school. You worry about sharing adoption with teachers and administrators and how parents and other children will respond. For those with children who look like them, you have thoughts of not sharing the adoption at all. For those whose children do not physically resemble them, there are concerns over how […]
Category: Adoption Specific
Adoption adds a complexity to parenting and family life. There will be days you don’t think about the adoption at all and others when it is on your mind all day. Start sharing the adoption with your child from a very young age so you are both comfortable talking about it and add details as they grow and are able understand more. You can share the adoption process with others, but details of your child’s history should be withheld. Let your child share the adoption with others as they wish – this is their story. It is important for you to be available to your child and make sure they know they can talk to you freely about adoption. If you have concerns or don’t know how to share information, or if you are not sure if an issue is adoption related, reach out to other adoptive parents or ask an adoption professional.
Talking (Too Much or Too Little) About Adoption
Sometimes I wonder if I talk about adoption enough—or too much. I started talking about adoption even before my daughters understood the word. I wanted to be comfortable. I would sometimes just repeat a phrase like “I am so happy I adopted you” or “I can’t believe adoption works.” As my kids got older and […]
Talking to Children About Adoption: 10-13 Years Old
Preteens are struggling with identity. They are trying to figure out who they are and where they fit in. As they spend more and more time away from their families, they are influenced by peers and other adults. They are being exposed to new ideas and behaviors. In turn, they are thinking things through and […]
What Does Adoption Mean to Preteens?
Preteens just want to fit in and be accepted by peers. They are very aware of their adoption status and that not all kids are adopted. All kids of this age, adopted or not, grapple with identity and where they belong. For the adopted child, this is a time to merge their birth and adoptive […]
Talking to Children About Adoption: Newborn – 18 Months
All kids like stories. Make it about themselves and they are captivated. The key here is for the storyteller to be comfortable with the subject matter. They more you practice, the better. By the time your child understands and comprehends how you became a family, you will be an experienced narrator. Infants – 18 months […]