When we were in the early stages of the adoption process and meeting with our social worker for our homestudy, we expressed that we weren’t sure how to talk with our family about all of the questions that surround adoption. We had obviously worked through some of the questions in order to come to our decision to adopt, but we felt ill-equipped to explain the process to our family. So, we asked for advice.
Our social worker recommended a book titled Adoption Is a Family Affair: What Relatives and Friends Must Know by Patricia Irwin Johnston. We quickly purchased a copy and read it cover to cover. We found it to be very helpful. This book was written not only for adoptive parents, but for their family and friends.
We purchased an extra copy and strongly urged our family members to read it including our parents, siblings, and close friends. It was a good place for them to begin to understand adoption as many had never experienced the details of adoption previously. It also helped them understand areas where we might be especially sensitive and gave them tools for what to say and what not to say.
The book includes chapters such as . . .
- Am I the "Real Grandparent?"
- Why Am I Hesitating?
- How Adoption Works: The Facts vs. the Myths
- Recognizing Adoptism–Your Own and Others’
- Adoption Language
If you are looking for a good resource to help your family understand adoption basics, I recommend this book. It’s a quick read with lots of good information.
