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.
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:
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:
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!
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.
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?
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
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.
In order to begin the adoption process you must be fully committed, meaning you must leave infertility treatments behind you and look forward to the journey ahead. This is easier said than done.
Moving on from infertility may take months or years. It is truly a process, but it is possible. For those considering adoption, but unsure whether they are truly ready, here are a few signs you’re ready to make the leap.
American Adoptions wishes you a very Happy Independence Day! We hope you enjoy celebrating our nation as much as we do. Have a safe and fun holiday!