As the 2016 Olympics get under way, you’ll probably be hearing a lot about Simone Biles, if you haven’t already. The 19-year old has been making waves in the world of gymnastics and is predicted to win more than one gold medal for the U.S. team. And don’t be surprised if you hear her name in the adoption world, too – when she was five years old, she and her sister were adopted by her grandparents.
8
Aug
2016
Back in the Classroom: Talking about Adoption at School
As the new school year rolls around, your child will be meeting new teachers, classmates, and friends. For adoptive families, this is a great opportunity think about adoption and how to talk about it with other people.
While you won’t be by your child’s side during the school day, there are plenty of things you can do at home to encourage his or her positive understanding of adoption. By creating a strong foundation of honesty and openness about adoption, you will be able to help your child talk about adoption with people at school.
5
Aug
2016
Raising the Next Generation of Olympic Dreamers
Here in Kansas City, we are officially 2-3 weeks away from the start of school. So, while the stores have stocked their aisles with every school supply imaginable, they’ve also made sure the shelves are full of water bottles and sporting gear for the fall sport season. And with the Olympics about to begin in Rio, kids are going to be begging their parents for gymnastics/swimming/water polo/field hockey lessons, and all the gear that goes with it. The excitement has already started at our house.
3
Aug
2016
Understanding a Birth Mother’s Grief
I didn’t understand what I was going through at the time, but through research, counseling, and my healing path, I have realized something crucial: I have moved through the grief process when it comes from transitioning from having the role of a custodial parent to the role of being a birth mother.
2
Aug
2016
Bringing Adoption into the Classroom
As the new school year approaches parents scramble to prepare their children for what’s ahead. From buying pencils and paper, to backpacks and lunch boxes, to the coolest new outfits, they do everything they can to ensure their children are ready for a great year.
For adoptive parents, there is one more thing you can do to ensure your children flourish in the classroom: raise adoption awareness.
30
Jul
2016
International Day of Friendship
Since 1958, July 30 has been the International Day of Friendship for countries around the world. What better time to send a nice gesture to the birth parents in your life?
“Friendship” may not be a powerful enough word to describe your relationship to your child’s birth parents. You share something unique, cherished, and irreplaceable – your child – and that is a bond to be celebrated at any occasion. This year, take a moment to learn a little bit more about International Day of Friendship and how you can add to the fun.
28
Jul
2016
Post Adoption Depression – You’re Not Alone
Just as biological mothers can experience postpartum blues or depression, so too can adoptive moms (and dads).
There are so many emotions involved in becoming a parent, and for those who become parents nearly overnight, there can be the added stress of doing everything at the last minute. Coupled with sleep deprivation and complicated feelings of guilt associated with birth parents, it’s no wonder so many adoptive parents experience post adoption depression.
The good news is that you are not alone. There are thousands of adoptive parents out there coping with the same feelings you are. And even better, there is help available.
25
Jul
2016
The Facts About Formula Feeding
Adoptive parents have two main options when it comes to feeding their baby: formula or breastfeeding. Both methods are nutritious for your baby, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so the decision really comes down to what works best for you.
To help you make a decision, we have compiled some formula information that you may not know. Be sure to check out our post on breastfeeding an adopted child, as well!
20
Jul
2016
Long Story, Short – A Birth Mother’s Journey
Long story short, I was a mother for six months. I was excellent at it. I breastfed, paid attention to his vaccination schedule, and practiced attachment parenting. I also worked full-time one hour away, had almost no money left after paying an amazing nanny, and did not get more than four hours of sleep per night.