The following came from Adoptive Families magazine, May/June 1992. It was part of our teaching packet for our ongoing adoption. I think its worth sharing.
Positive Language vs. Negative Language:
Birthparent vs. Real parent
Biological parent vs. Natural parent
Birth child vs. Own child
My child vs. Adopted child; own child
Born to unmarried parents vs. illegitimate
Terminate parental rights vs. give up
Make an adoption plan vs. give away
To parent vs. to keep
Waiting child vs. adoptable child; available child
Biological or birth father vs. real father
Making contact with vs. reunion
Parent vs. adoptive parent
Intercountry adoption vs. foreign adoption
Adoption triad vs. Adoption triangle
Permission to sign a release vs. Disclosure
Search vs. track down parents
Child placed for adoption vs. An unwanted child
Court termination vs. child taken away
Child with special needs vs. Handicapped child
Child from abroad vs. Foreign child
Was adopted vs. Is adoption.
Several of these give me pause and make me think. We are talking about the list in our home. It’s good stuff.
