Talking to Kids About Adoption and Family Issues
The way we talk about adoption has evolved over time as we become more aware of the complexities of our relationships and the way children and adults react to words, nuances, and connotations. Resources for present and future parents, families, teachers.
A Few Words on Words in Adoption
Adoption educator Brenda Romanchik suggests ways to resolve some of the language differences that exist in adoption.... [more]
Friendly or Honest Language?
Adoption language is a sensitive topic, and Sandra Falconer Pace of the Canadian Council of Natural Mothers explores two separate movements - both targeted toward respect: 'positive' or 'friendly' language and 'honest' language.... [more]
Glossary
If you've got a question about a word or term, here are definitions of terms commonly used in connection with adoption and foster care, for quick reference.... [more]
Language Sites
Web sites addressing the evolution of and revolution in adoption language. Articles, glossaries, guidelines. ... [more]
Lingo List
Adoption-specific abbreviations, acronyms and terms.... [more]
Politically Correct Adoption Language
Are you PC? Do you care? Decide for yourself if new language surrounding adoption helps or hurts our ability to communicate.... [more]
Talking to Family & Friends
How do people in and outside our families view adoption? We can often be surprised at how little or how much they know, and how they express themselves. Here are resources for all of us - to learn about different attitudes, and find ways of dealing with the insensitive or uninformed.... [more]
Talking to Kids About Adoption & Family Issues
Professional counselors and parents offer suggestions and recommendations for talking to children (and others) about adoption, sex, and infertility. When to tell a child, how to tell a child, and advice on handling awkward or uninformed questions from well-meaning adults.... [more]
Talking to Teachers & Educators
School-aged children can be exposed to hurtful comments from their classmates, or feel uncomfortable with certain types of class assignments or language used in the classroom. Here are resources to help parents and educators work together for the children's benefit.... [more]
The Language of Gifts
Author reflects on adoption terminology and how subtle differences in the way adults use words reflect on the children.... [more]
Answering Those Awkward QuestionsSuggestions on handling questions and comments from uninformed strangers, relatives and even close friends, who mean well, but...
In this article from Adoptive Families Magazine, adoptive parent Amy Klatzkin offers her account of talking about adoption to her daughter's first grade class. Tips and reading resources are also provided by members of the magazine staff.
Professionals Talk About Adoption
Straight talk from medical professionals about telling an adopted child about adoption and birth family, from the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
Talking About Difficult History
Holly van Gulden believes children deserve their histories even when it includes difficult events and concepts like older siblings, rape, and prison. From Pact: An Adoption Allliance.
Talking About Infertility
Suggestions on how and when to talk to children about this sensitive topic, by adoption and infertility author Pat Johnston.
Talking About Sex and Adoption
Understanding our own attitudes is the key to good communication with our children, by Anne C. Bernstein.
Telling Your Child He/She Was Adopted
Suggestions on explaining adoption to your child, from the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse.
Why Children Don't Talk (Much) About Adoption
Just because young adoptees don't talk about adoption doesn't mean they don't have questions that need answers. Author Virginia Keeler-Wolf explores how parents can tune in to their kids' needs.
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