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Author Archives: Michelle Keyes
“Mom, Why Don’t I Look Like You?”
In the past, through closed adoptions, these were probably dreaded words to hear. But now with open adoption, these words are easily explained and most likely already known from a very early age. By the time your child is asking these types of questions, they are noticing the differences around them and trying to figure [...]
Posted in Adopted Children, Adoptive Families
Tagged adoptees, adoption advice, discussing adoption, open adoption
4 Comments
Using Positive Adoption Language
Just as with everything else these days, there are “PC” terms to use in the adoption world. While it may seem insignificant, the words you use when referring to your child’s adoption will greatly affect their self-esteem and self-image. Your child/ren will learn to speak about their adoption based on the words they hear you [...]
Talking to Children About Adoption – Part 4 of 4
If you are adopting and have other children, either biologically or through adoption, you will need to prepare them for the arrival of a sibling through adoption. If your other child/ren is/are adopted, this is going to bring up questions about their own birth and adoption story. It’s going to be a good opportunity to [...]
Talking to Children About Adoption – Part 3 of 4
If your child’s birthparents close off contact at some point, it’s important to let your child know that they are always welcome back. Let them know that their birthparents still have your phone number or address and if you’ve moved, that you’ve provided the agency with your new information so they can get it when [...]
Posted in Adoptive Families
Tagged adoptive parenting, discussing adoption, open adoption
6 Comments
Talking to Children About Adoption – Part 2 of 4
When talking to your child about their adoption story and you are discussing the circumstances around the placement, be honest with your child, but keep it age appropriate. Again, try to incorporate examples from every day life to make it easier to understand. For example, if your child’s birthmother was young, you could use an [...]
Posted in Adoptive Families
Tagged adoptive parenting, discussing adoption, open adoption
2 Comments
Talking to Children About Adoption – Part 1 of 4
It’s a good idea to think about talking to your child about their adoption story before they begin asking questions. If you begin using positive adoption language from the very beginning, they will learn it too and there won’t be anything “odd” or “uncomfortable” about it. Children learn the words that they hear and they [...]
Posted in Adoptive Families
Tagged adoptive parenting, discussing adoption, open adoption
3 Comments