“Both of our two children have been adopted through open adoptions, and even after 25+ years, I’m absolutely convinced that it was the right decision. “
21
Dec
2016
Ideas for Keeping the Kids Entertained All Winter
Well, winter has officially arrived. Last week, an arctic blast took over most of the country, sending temperatures plummeting and blanketing some areas with snow. So, how are we going to entertain the kids while the temperatures are frigid and there is snow on the ground? Here are some ideas for outdoor winter fun.
16
Dec
2016
How to Embrace Your Child’s Biological Heritage
Transracial adoption is when an adoptive family adopts a child who is of another race or ethnic background. This type of adoption is more commonplace than it’s been in decades’ past. Helping a child adjust to life in an entirely new country takes time and work. But just as important as it is to make them feel welcome, it is equally as important to help them learn about where they came from.
Adoptive families should make a strong effort to educate themselves on their child’s heritage. There is so much they can learn – traditions, holidays, customs, language. When they share this knowledge with their child, they help him or her create a strong sense of self. Here are some ways to help your child foster a love for their heritage:
18
Nov
2016
Incorporate Birth Parents into Your National Adoption Day Celebrations
November is National Adoption Month, and one of its highlights is National Adoption Day. It’s a national effort to raise awareness for more than 100,000 kids in the foster care system, and thus far it’s helped almost 58,500 children find their forever families! In 2015, which was the 16th National Adoption Day, approximately 4,000 kids went to their permanent homes.
But National Adoption Day isn’t just a day to celebrate those associated with the foster care system. It’s a great chance for you and your child to work on your relationship with his or her birth parents. The selfless decision they made in placing their child in your care is certainly something to be celebrated!
17
Nov
2016
How One Mom Talks to Her Kids about Her Adoption
Jennifer Van Gundy is an Adoption Specialist at American Adoptions who is an adoptee herself. She’s also a mom to two kids, an 8-year-old and …
4
Nov
2016
How to Talk to Kids About the Election
My first job out of college was as a Congressional intern on Capitol Hill, in Washington, D.C. I took the job in hopes of it leading to something with journalism or public relations. What it led to was a new interest in America’s political system and a stint working for a few Members of the House of Representatives. Growing up, I had no interest in politics. But once I spent some time in Washington, I was obsessed.
Working in Washington, I learned so much, and now yearn for the excitement of an election year, because I actually understand what is happening. I’ve enjoyed the challenge of teaching my young students about the election process too. We keep it basic – voting for their favorite book or snack, and discussing why everyone can have a different opinion.
Here are some ways I teach my students and my own children about the election process:
18
Oct
2016
Halloween Costume Ideas for Every Age
I love Halloween. I think it is amazing to see how big it’s gotten over the years, and my family has bought into the hype. We currently have orange lights decorating a tree in front of our house. There’s a light-up ghost on our porch, and orange bulbs have been put into our exterior lights. The kitchen towels are embroidered with witches, our candy has been purchased, and our pumpkins are waiting to be carved.
But my one Achilles’ heel is the costumes. I have not a one creative bone when it comes to coming up with a Halloween costume. When my kids voice their final costume choice, I silently pray it is something that can be bought at a store. DIY is not my strength. I proudly admit this.
However, I do love scrolling through Pinterest for costume ideas, be it homemade or store-bought. There is no end to people’s creativity! Here are some of my favorites for this Halloween season.
13
Oct
2016
The Importance of Being Involved in Your Child’s Education
Being involved in your child’s education doesn’t have to be extensive or time-consuming, and the benefits are amazing! A student who has an involved parent is more likely to have higher grades, attend class regularly, have fewer behavior problems, and exhibit more positive self-esteem. And really, isn’t that what we all want for our kids?
11
Oct
2016
What Makes My Open Adoption Work – Thoughts from a Birth Mother
From the start, I was open with my son’s parents about wanting the adoption to be open, and while the openness agreement is not legally binding, I knew it needed to be respected for the sake of my son. I was also transparent about wanting to slowly transition from a custodial parent to more of a birth parent role. Therefore, I had frequent contact with my son that lessened over the first two years of placement. I saw him every couple of months until I was comfortable not seeing my son as frequently. My son’s parents also communicated a need with me around the same time that they really needed more space.