Emotions run high in any adoption situation and adoptive families don’t always know how to act or react to certain circumstances. The best thing for families to do in these situations is to turn to their adoption social worker for advice.
14
Jul
2016
Fun Indoor Activities for the Hottest Summer Days
My husband and I just returned from a week in British Columbia, Canada. The daily temperature barely hit 70 degrees. I lived in jeans. Imagine our shock when we stepped off the plane and into a wall of 90% humidity, at 11:30pm! I had to confiscate my husband’s credit card, to keep him from booking a flight right back to Canada. But really, it’s summer in Kansas City…this is to be expected.
My parents watched our kids and did as many outdoor activities as the heat would allow – the zoo, Deanna Rose, the pool. But they did find themselves needing something to entertain the kids when it was too hot (or rainy) to be outside. Thankfully, new coloring books, board games, and science kits did the trick. If you are looking for ways to entertain your kids indoors (that doesn’t involve a screen of any kind), here are some ideas now that the dog days of summer are truly here.
14
Jul
2016
Coping with an Adoption Disruption
At American Adoptions, we do everything we can to prevent and protect you from disrupted adoptions. However, there are still occasions when a prospective birth mother decides not to move forward with an adoption plan.
For hopeful adoptive families, an adoption disruption is devastating, disheartening, and emotionally draining. If you are in this situation, there are some important things you can do before you determine your next steps.
14
Jul
2016
Family Friendly Movies to Get You Through the Dog Days of Summer
When the temperatures climb above 90, and the kids have gone through every book they have, it’s time to hit the movie theaters (or Netflix). Each summer, the motion picture industry takes advantage of the captive audience of children on break from school. In addition to seeing the new movies in the theater, I find it fun to introduce my kids to classics movies from my childhood. My husband has been willing our son and daughter to grow up faster, so they could watch the “original” Star Wars trilogy. Both finally watched them over the past few months…and my husband hasn’t been happier. Here are my recommendations for summer movies, both new and old:
13
Jul
2016
Books to Keep Your Kids Entertained this Summer
Oh, how I love the non-schedule of summer days! Kids (and kids at heart) delight in the time allowed to explore, head out on adventures, and create memories. However…with summer comes the hot temperatures, and if you are living in the Midwest, you know what I mean. June gives way to July, which can be downright hot and sticky. When it’s too hot to even go to the pool, it’s time to curl up with a good book. You can’t go wrong with recommendations from Scholastic Books (broken down by age group), and these lists of Newberry and Caldecott winners. In addition to these trusted sources, here are a few suggestions of my own:
12
Jul
2016
Avoid the ‘Summer Slide’ with These Fun Tips
As a teacher, I always give parents ways to avoid the “summer slide” with their kids. What exactly is the summer slide? It is the temporary setback some children experience in their learning over the summer. Now, summer is absolutely a time for kids to enjoy life, relax, and take a break from the daily routine of school! I’m a firm believer in this. However, it can only help your child’s education to encourage them to learn something new over the summer.
Here are some fun, educational things you can do with your kids this summer…and they may not even realize they’re learning something at the same time!
11
Jul
2016
Time to Go! Traveling to Meet Baby on Short Notice
Because there is no way to predict when an expectant mother is going to have her baby, American Adoptions always recommends that families wait to travel until she is going to the hospital. This is one of the most exciting times in the adoption process, but it can also be nerve-wracking – especially if you have a long way to travel.
Luckily, there are plenty of steps you can take to make sure you are prepared when the big day arrives. Here, we’ve compiled some of the best tips and strategies to help your adoption take off without a hitch.
8
Jul
2016
7 Annoying Questions Adoptive Parents Are Tired of Hearing
It never fails that a well-meaning family member, friend or passerby will ask a seemingly harmless question that has the power to boil an adoptive parent’s blood. Which of these are you most tired of hearing?
8
Jul
2016
Love at First Sight Photo Contest – Winners!
The votes are in and these are the top 3 winners of our Love at First Sight Photo Contest! Congratulations to Emerson, Pryor, Jack and their families!
Emerson, born 2016, and mama Carleigh
6
Jul
2016
Inexpensive Family Vacation Ideas for Summer
I love summertime in Kansas City! As a teacher, it’s my chance to get out with my family and explore all this city (and the surrounding suburbs) have to offer. What’s not to love about Kaleidoscope, the trains at Union Station, Worlds of Fun, Oceans of Fun, Deanna Rose…I could go on and on. Oh! I forgot about Shatto Dairy, the Museum at Prairie Fire…we live in a fantastic city!
But every once in awhile, we get the urge to hit the road and see what our neighboring states have to offer. Now, this isn’t as spontaneous as it sounds. This takes research and planning, because we like to do things on the cheap (hence no mention of places like Hawaii). My hope is that these suggestions will save you busy families time and money, when you’re looking for a chance to get out of town for a bit.