Growing Intentional Families Together Blog
Read our blog to find out the latest on adoption.
The Gift of Less
Often, the effort to find the “perfect” gift generates stress, anxiety, and worry. We can’t predict or ensure a positive impact. Why is that? Well, in addition to the normal dynamics at play, the silent yet potent influence of the seven core issues in adoption press inexorably.
Is Adoption Beneficial?
Is adoption beneficial? How will we, how can we answer that question? While we might surmise how adoptees feel about adoption, our best guesses cannot begin to describe their experiences. We need them to use their voices and share their insights. For too long, adoptive parents and adoption professional have spoken on behalf of adoptees. They’ve told adoptees how they should feel, what they should think, and what they ought to say about adoption.
Supporting Adoptees at School
How can parents help teachers to know and understand the needs of adopted children? What should parents share and what should they keep private? How can parents and teachers be proactive about triggers and traumaversaries?
Insights on Open Adoptions
An open adoption reflects a blend of both physical interaction and a mindset in spirit and in fact. Adoptive parents demonstrate an openness mindset when they hold an emotional and psychological attitude that welcomes the presence of birth/first parents and extended family.
Are We There Yet?
t is wise for adoptive families to have a heightened sense of awareness of ways they can support one another not only in getting there but also enjoying the journey as well as the destination. It can be useful to keep in mind several factors.
A Father’s Presence Matters
Father as an Identity, an Experience, A Privilege Next week is Father’s Day. For anyone connected to adoption, this...
Adoption, Expectations, and Mothering
When women from all three sides of the adoption triad speak & listen deeply to one another without judgment, refutation or taking offense, they learn from one another. They benefit and their children do too!
Reflections on Community and Powerful Conversations
“Hard” conversations can benefit & strengthen relationships. Sit with the discomfort to work through it. Encourage community to counter isolation. Find Adoption Attuned, adoption competent guides to support you through the years.
Recognition Matters in Adoption
In adoption, recognition matters! When we recognize the complexity of adoption and when we give recognition to those who raise awareness, encourages and informs families, provides examples of how to address issues that face adoptees and their families. When we recognize people doing outstanding work, it helps support their work, expand their influence. We are pleased to recognize @Isaac Etter as the recipient of the 2024 recipient of the “Shaping the Future Award.”
Talking About Adoption Matters
Of course, how, with whom, and how often we are talking about adoption matters! In the last few decades, adoption gradually emerged from behind a solid wall of secrecy and a pervasive sense of shame. This is a good thing. As people grew more open to talking about adoption, the tone and content of conversations improved.
