I’m in a decidedly good mood today. Yesterday I was on another of our council’s adoption workshops. This time the topic was attachment, and there was a good mix of experienced adopters and those of us still pre-placement. The course was run by the post-adoption support team, who seemed to be rather better (more realistic, … Continue reading
‘Adoption is greater than the universe’
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgNXQ2CazUg&feature=player_embedded
I’ve just come across this video of Christian theologian John Piper, talking about the theology of adoption. If that interests you, there’s a longer discussion here.
Profiles, PAR, and piffle
So. Two weeks ago we went to the profile evening, not really knowing what to expect. Turned out our social worker had been approached by the social worker for a sibling group of three, so within minutes of walking through the door, their profile was thrust into our hands and we were asked to watch a … Continue reading
‘Strange’ encounters with social services
This is an exciting week. Tomorrow (TOMORROW!) we’re going to be reading profiles of all the children in our county currently waiting to be matched with a family. And yet… Last night we caught up with one of our friends who has provided a reference for us. She’s done a great job. Our social worker met her … Continue reading
The adoption profile meeting: making it real
Our journey to adoption (forgive me for using the J-word) has been a funny mixture of reality and theory. Our desire to adopt was largely kicked off by meeting a very real little boy in a very real orphanage in Asia one morning in February 2008 and thinking that it would be wrong to swan off … Continue reading
Book review: ‘Simplicity Parenting’ by Kim John Payne with Lisa M Ross
The premise The subtitle of this book is ‘Using the extraordinary power of less to raise calmer, happier and more secure kids’. Written by an Australian social worker, it focuses on simplifying children’s schedules, home environment, and range of choices in order to free them from the confusion and overwhelm which come from having too … Continue reading
Book review: ‘Adoption Conversations’ by Renée Wolfs
The premise How to talk about adoption (primarily for adoptive parents explaining adoption to children). Mainly about international adoption, with lots of references to orphanages and a few to the vast amount of money it costs. My response I was a bit frustrated that this book (by a Dutch author who adopted children from China) … Continue reading
Adoption, church gossips, and a minor meltdown
How do you deal with strangers’ questions about your adoption – when you haven’t even been to panel yet? I love reading other people’s blogs about dealing with people’s nosy and inappropriate questions about their adoptive families. I empathise with their irritation at the idea that participating in the adoption process makes your family public … Continue reading
Book Review: ‘Adoption and Fostering – A Parent’s Guide by Holly Noseda
The premise A short, straightforward ‘handbook’ to the adoption process and what to expect at each stage. It covers topics including ‘managing expectations’, ‘life story work’, ‘contact with birth family’ and ‘post-adoption support’. My response A very quick read, but no less useful because of that. Reasonably up-to-date (though it still refers to ‘Form F’ … Continue reading
Book Review: ‘The Adoption Experience’ by Ann Morris
The premise A collection of real life adopters’ stories, through all stages of the process. My response An interesting and enjoyable read, though I’d have preferred fewer, longer stories so they could share more details. Quotation One family whose son was constantly misbehaving were offered prayer: ‘First, they asked Ben to tell them how he … Continue reading
Simple Adoption 