Adoption 411
Adoption is a journey over a lifetime. Thankfully, research and many years of experience from those who have come before us has provided us with guidance for raising our children with more sensitivity and awareness. Below are some of the most important things to know when raising an adopted child.
Positive Adoption Language
Don't Say |
Do Say |
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A Child's Understanding of Adoption
Age 5
- Children exhibit no understanding of adoption
Age 5 1/2
- Children fail to differentiate between adoption and birth; instead fusing the two concepts together. They may think that all children are adopted.
Age 7
- Children clearly differentiate between adoption and birth as alternative paths to parenthood. They accept that the adoptive family relationship is permanent, but they do not understand why. Many rely on a sense of faith or notions of possession to justify the permanence.
Age 8
- Children differentiate between adoption and birth but are unsure about the permanence of the adoptive parent-child relationship. Biological parents are seen as having the potential for reclaiming guardianship over the child at some future but unspecified time.
Age 10
- Children’s descriptions of the adoptive family relationship are characterized by a quasi-legal sense of permanence. Specifically, they refer to “signing papers,” or invoke some authority such as a judge, lawyer, doctor, or social worker who in some vague way “makes” the parent-child relationship permanent.
Age 12
- The adoption relationship is now characterized as permanent, involving the legal transfer of rights and/or responsibilities for the child from the biological parents to the adoptive parents.
Source: Brodzinsky, D.M., Singer, L.M., & Bbraff, A.M. (1984). Children’s understanding of adoption. Child Development, 55, 869-878
Additional resources for talking to children about adoption
How Children View Adoption by Age
Additional Adoption Links
- Adoptive Families Circle
- Adoptive Families Magazine
- Center for Adoption Support and Education
- Post-Adoption Resources
- Taxes and Adoption- IRS information regarding the Adoption Tax Credit
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Tapestry Books- Great resource for adoption friendly books.
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Child Connect- A safe, confidential and secure online place to save and share memories
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Tiny Beans- is the FREE Modern Family Album App that gives parents a happy space to enjoy their children's life stories.
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