American Adoptions’ Director of Social Services, Jennifer Van Gundy, shares her experience of being adopted as an infant and how it has impacted her life as a mother and a professional.
7
Nov
2016
All About Domestic Adoption: What Is It and How Does It Work?
November is National Adoption Month. In Massachusetts in 1976, then-Governor Mike Dukakis proclaimed Adoption Week in his state and the idea grew locally and nationally. Eventually, the entire month of November was declared Adoption Month, due to the number of events being held in most states. Today, many local, state, federal, and private organizations celebrate adoption as a way to positively build families.
One way to do this is through domestic adoption. Domestic adoption is the placement of U.S.-born infants for adoption by their birth parents. The infant’s parents legally consent to the adoption with a family they’ve chosen, usually through an adoption agency or adoption attorney.
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:
3
Nov
2016
Facing Fears and Fostering Relationships – Katelyn, Matt and Marcus’ Story
Katelyn and Matt had a choice to make: in vitro fertilization or adoption.
The couple was planning a vacation to Colorado, and they decided that the long car ride would give them the perfect opportunity to talk about their options and make a decision. But when they woke up on the morning of the trip, they both knew what their answer would be.
“We both just knew it was adoption,” Katelyn says. “It was the strangest feeling. We just knew, 100 percent, that adoption was what we wanted to do.”
But while the hopeful parents were certain of their adoption decision, they also had some uncertainties that they needed to face — and some lessons to learn along the way.
2
Nov
2016
Adoption in the U.S. – Infographic
As you know, November is National Adoption Month, and to honor this special holiday, we will be posting a new, helpful infographic every Wednesday this month. We hope these graphics will help you understand more about the adoption process and adoption in general.
1
Nov
2016
Happy National Adoption Month!
November has finally arrived, which means it’s once again National Adoption Month! Many of our readers already know how special National Adoption Month is to members of the adoption triad – but if you’re new to the world of adoption, you can start learning about it right here.
Each year, National Adoption Month, sponsored by the Children’s Bureau, spreads adoption awareness, honors adoptive families and highlights newborns and children who are still waiting for permanent homes. Adoption Month is a great time for adoptive families, adopted children and birth parents to share their stories and celebrate the role adoption has played in their lives.
28
Oct
2016
Halloween Safety at Home and in the Neighborhood
Now that Halloween is just around the corner, you’re probably getting into the spooky spirit with family and friends. But whatever your plans are this year, it’s important to keep some basic safety tips in mind.
26
Oct
2016
How to Answer Your Child’s Toughest Adoption Questions
“Why is the sky blue?” “Why do giraffes have long necks?” “Why do I have to brush my teeth?” “Why do I have blue eyes?” If you are a parent, you’ve heard these and a million other “why” questions before. Children ask questions to figure out the world they live in. Some questions are easier to answer than others.
For children whose families were created by adoption, their questions may be tricky to answer. Their understanding of adoption is an ongoing process. Here is a list of common questions that adopted children ask, ranging from the basic preschooler inquiries to the more complex adolescent interrogations.
20
Oct
2016
5 Things Not to Say to a Couple Grieving Infertility
Many people in the adoption world understand the emotional impact infertility can have on a hopeful family. But everybody who faces infertility copes and manages their emotions in a different way, so it may be difficult to know how to talk about it.
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.