From the monthly archives:

June 2010

Parenting Do-Over

June 25, 2010

Do you sometimes find yourself wishing that you could get a “do-over” in the parenting arena? I do. Parenting, although profoundly rewarding, is emotionally taxing. If you are like me, you make mistakes and then you try to right them. In the rare quiet moments of everyday life, I check in with myself, realigning my [...]

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And What of the Fathers?

June 17, 2010

My children have rarely asked about their birth fathers. Their questions and comments focus on their birth mothers. When attempting to steer them in the direction of birth fathers, I’ve had little luck.
I can’t walk in my kids’ shoes. But I try as hard as I can to understand their perspectives, a way to relate, [...]

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Race and Culture Considerations for Transracial Adoptive Parents: A Check-Up

June 14, 2010

What race was your child when you adopted him or her? What race were you when you adopted your child?
 
What race are they now? What race are you now?
What was your child’s culture before you adopted him or her? What is it now?
What was your culture before you adopted your child? What is it now?
How do [...]

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At What Cost?

June 8, 2010

“How much did she cost?”
“How much did you have to pay?”
“How much did I cost?” (My daughter’s question addressed to me.)
“How much did you pay for me?” (My son’s question.)
Ouch. This cuts deep, yes?
We have profound emotional ties to our children and the journey that brought us together. It’s painful to be asked what it [...]

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A Birthmother’s Thoughts

June 2, 2010

Some adoptive parents have a relationship with the birthmother of their child. Others do not. Regardless, the birthmother and adoptive parent still travel the journey of adoption together, because they are part of the child’s journey.
What does a birthmother want the adopted child to know?
After re-reading The Best for You, I Wish for You a [...]

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