Reading adoption blogs is a wonderful way to gain a different perspective of others in the adoption community and triad. As I was reading through several adoption blogs I saw how different each adoption blog was and how it may affect other readers. Here are a few things to be aware of before reading adoption blogs.
Read about the blogger.
Look for the blogger's profile or "About Me" link. This will tell you where the blogger is coming from and where he/she is in the adoption triad.
Be aware that some bloggers use strong language.
We all have our different styles, tastes, and standards. We also express emotion in a variety of ways. When reading many adoption blogs you may encounter the use of strong language, especially when the blogger is traveling down the often frustrating road of adoption or adoption issues. Move to a different post or find a new blog to read if this is too much for you.
- No Example: It's not really needed anyway right?
Look for organizational tools to find the blogger's adoption story.
Many blogs offer categories that run along the side of his/her blog. This organizes the posts into different categories. The blogger may separate out "adoption", "parenting", or even "rants". Not every blog offers such tools.
Know that you may be reading views that are different than your own.
Some adoption bloggers are not fond of adoption or the adoption process. This can be shocking to some adoptive parents. In my opinion, it's important to read these different blogs and learn these different views. Reading how difficult a birth mom is taking placing her infant is beneficial to other sides of the adoption triad.
Read the comments and consider leaving your own.
Let the blogger know your feelings by leaving a comment. Take the time to read the comment of others. There is a strong community out there in the world of adoption blogging. Lots of comfort and understanding can be found. Don't be afraid to join the community.
