June 5th, 2007
Posted By: Rebecca
Categories: Parent Support

http://www.flickr.com/photos/powerbooktrance/116155918/

Having the support of other adoptive families is hugely important during all stages of the adoption process. During the wait for referral and travel, it is sanity saving to know others who have been in your shoes and can offer advice and support during your wait. Once you’re home, it is important for you and your child to know other families like yours. Not only will it help your child, it will help you as the parent to have someone who ‘gets it’ to talk to. Here are some ideas about finding other adoptive families to connect with:

  • Join your local Families With Children from Viet Nam. If there isn’t one in your area, start one up! This is the best resource to find local families with kids just like yours.

  • Real life friendships are great, but online ones can be just as rewarding and supportive. More so for the parents, of course, online friends can be amazing resources. Adoptive parent websites and forums offer parents the opportunity to connect with other adoptive parents from all over the world.

  • Attend adoption seminars and events in your area with your family. If you attend with your child and partner (and are a transracial family), others will recognize that you are an adoptive family and may be more likely to approach and start up a conversation. You can meet other adoptive families who are likely from the same area at adoption events.

  • If your town or county has a website or web forum, post to see if there are other adoptive families interested in starting a playgroup. It can’t hurt to cast your net and see who you might find!

  • Some colleges, universities and adoption agencies hold adoption workshops, classes and host speakers. If there are any such organizations in your area, contact them to see if they maintain a contact list of other adoptive families, or if they host any kind of playgroup or gathering.

  • Ask your social worker from your agency (or your home study agency if they are more local) if they know of other adoptive families who you may be able to reach out to.

photo credit

Related Link:
Families With Children From Viet Nam Get Together

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