November 2009 Is National Adoption Month

This month is National Adoption Month. Since I have adopted two children, I love to see the extra emphasis placed on raising awareness about adoption and foster care. The chosen theme is “Answering the Call – You don’t have to be perfect to be a perfect parent.” What a great theme! For more information, visit the Child Welfare Information Gateway website.

With my personal experience, I have recognized that raising adopted children and growing up adopted is different than it is for other families. There are many similarities, but the exceptions to the rule need to be examined too. It is foolish for adoptive parents to raise their children without education about the effects of adoption on the lives of their children and themselves. So in addition to the regular books and seminars on effective parenting, adoptive families should be reading and talking to adoption professionals about the special needs of their families.

Raising a child is no easy task, but with the right attitude and right education, it is a wonderful and life changing experience. If you would like more information on adoptive families, please contact my office.