Lifebooks: What is a Lifebook?
What is a LifeBook?
A LifeBook is a simple, truthful story written through the child's eyes. It is a record of the child's life from birth that uses words, photos, the child's artwork, and memorabilia.
Every adopted and foster child needs his/her own lifebook. More than a baby book or scrapbook, the words are the most important part. The child is involved in the creating and in the telling.
- Bringing a parent and child closer together;
- Creating a natural bridge to talking about the circumstances of adoption or foster placement;
- Building security; ¨
- Serving as a front-load for adolescence, it helps prepare for those tough teen years.
Beth O'Malley, author of "LifeBooks: Creating a Treasure for the Adopted Child", explains the whys and hows:
- LifeBooks: Every Adopted Child Needs One
"Information is gold when you are adopted. Every tiny piece is precious, whether it's a photo or quote from the orphanage staff. LifeBooks help put all the pieces together in a way that helps your child make sense of, and ultimately feel good about, his/her history." read more ...
- LifeBooks and Lip Smacking Stories
"My first LifeBook was inspired by a three year old with the AIDS virus. Her birth mother was still alive, but signs were present that she would not live for long. Almost certainly, this toddler would live long enough to have questions: 'Do I look like my birthday Mom? What was her favorite color?'" read more ...
- Waiting Families & LifeBooks: The Best Time to Start is Now!
"Good news for waiting families: pre-placement is a perfect time to start the lifebook process. Before children arrive, parents will have time - a luxury not often enjoyed once children are at home!" read more ...
© Nancy S Ashe
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