Different ways to learn about adoption and prepare yourself for talking about it with those who have been touched by adoption.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Life Time to Learn and Update Communication Skills
Here's How:
- Before talking about adoption, understand the grief and loss that is a part of the adoption journey.
- Know the language and how it evolves and changes. I'm not one for political correctness, but I like to know the different lingo. If I'm unsure, I ask. For example, "do you prefer birthmom or first mom?" Refer to the glossary for more terms and information.
- Some do's and don'ts for adults who work with or who are related to newly formed families through international or interracial adoption Cross-Cultural Adoption: The Do's and Don'ts for Grown-Ups is a great article.
- Teaching Foster/Adoptive Children How to Respond to Common Questions is up to us as parents. We need to give our children the tools needed to handle themselves out in the world. A very important talk to have with your children.
- "Teacher's Guide to Adoption" offers 10 different lessons and may be your answer to understanding adoption and talking about it.
- Simple questions to help kids express their feelings and recall memories.
- Join an on-line community and find others who are interested in talking about adoption. Meet people who have been where you are and understand the adoption path you are currently following.
