Mention November and most folks think of Thanksgiving. For us here at GIFT–Growing Intentional Families Together–November brings thoughts of National Adoption Month and our gratitude for the blessing of family. Here are some ways to celebrate adoption.
November 22, 2014
Celebrating the adoption of children in foster care
“National Adoption Day is a collective national effort to raise awareness of the more than 100,000 children in foster care waiting to find permanent, loving families. This annual, one-day event has made the dreams of thousands of children come true by working with policymakers, practitioners and advocates to finalize adoptions and create and celebrate adoptive families. In total, National Adoption Day helped nearly 50,000 children move from foster care to a forever family. Communities across the county celebrate the This year the National Adoption Day Coalition expects 4,500 children in foster care to be adopted on National Adoption Day, on November 22, 2014.” They are sponsoring various events
It is appropriate that we celebrate National Adoption Month during this season of Thanksgiving. As parents, we have been entrusted with the privilege to raise children born to other women. We love and nurture them with an awareness that our greatest joy: their presence in our families–began in significant loss for them. This year while giving thanks for your many blessings, remember the birth parents who made such a commitment of faith in us. Continue your education as high AQ (Adoption Attuned) families. Deepen your understanding of the unique needs that adoption creates in a family. Live and love with an eye to the joy of the present moment and a heart filled with empathy, kindness and respect. Books offer a great resource to adoptive families for strategies, a sense of community or a great read for the children. These authors write about the journey that is adoption. (Excerpts from Amazon)
Named a
Favorite Read of 2013 by
Adoptive Families, (the award-winning national adoption magazine.) Named a
Notable Picture Book for 2013 by
Shelf Unbound in their Dec/Jan 2014 issue;
Honorable Mention –
Gittle List of 2014; Finalist; IPNE 2014 Book Awards ,
Honorable Mention 2014 Purple Dragonfly Book Award REVISED IN 2019A child’s review: “Most adoption books only talk about the good part of adoption. ABC shows adoption from the kid’s side.” ABC, Adoption & Me expresses their complicated feelings in a way that makes them feel normal and which makes it easy for them to discuss with their families. Includes a parent guide. ABC, Adoption & Me celebrates the blessing of family and addresses the difficult issues as well. Exuberant, multicultural illustrations depict a wide range of families
Follow one woman’s incredible and heartfelt journey from the pain of miscarriages to the joy of becoming a parent through adoption. Witness the many struggles that can permeate your life in the aftermath of pregnancy loss. Take a glimpse at the overwhelming desire some women have to become a mother. Celebrate the joy of overcoming adversity and achieving your dreams. Filled with honest, raw emotions and helpful coping tips, “From Pain to Parenthood” promises to touch your life with a real story that shows the power of the human spirit and the beauty of a mother’s love. Finalist, 2014 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, Parenting/Family
by Carol Lozier – The Adoptive & Foster Parent Guide: How to Heal Your Child’s Trauma and Loss http://goo.gl/xKCU6x
Lonely? Feeling judged? Parenting an adopted or foster child may be the hardest work you will ever do! In addition, families experience a lack of understanding from family, friends, and their community.“¨ The Adoptive & Foster Parent Guide is a supportive and loving guide for families. The book is an easy read, and explains ideas through stories, scripts, and practical strategies. The Adoptive & Foster Parent Guide teaches families as well as professionals, in a step by step approach, how to heal a child’s past trauma and loss. The Adoptive & Foster Parent Guide touches on many topics, including: attachment styles (attachment disorder), dysfunctional family patterns unique to adoption and fostering, birth families, how to create healthy attachment, maintaining calm, and managing a team of professionals.
Gayle Swift – ABC, Adoption and Me
Deanna Kahler – From Pain to Parenthood http://goo.gl/EQUZtx
