Since it’s National Adoption Awareness Month I’ve been doing some thinking about how to spread the word about adoption. I find myself absolutely shocked when people express antiquated views on adoption or are so completely misinformed about the process that they’re terrified of adoption as a whole. I realize my reaction is naïve, but being surrounded by so many positive adoption stories on a regular basis, it truly shocks and saddens me. It’s becoming more and more clear that positive adoption messages need to be spread, and us adoptive families can really make a difference.

I know many adoptive parents who feel that their family is private how their family was formed is no one’s business and that it is not their job to educate the public. And to a point I agree with that sentiment. I can understand the desire to walk through life unnoticed, maintaining a comfortable level of privacy. But on the other hand, I also lean towards the school of thought that says adoption is a positive way to build a family and the public needs to know that our families are “real families” and we’re growing in confidence as well as numbers.

Since starting to research adoption all the way through Ella’s adoption process and now living life as a transracial adoptive family, I’ve given much thought to how I would address the random stranger who may comment on my family. Only one year into this parenting thing, and I still don’t have as strong a grasp on this as I would like…but I am getting better and more confident in my conversations. I am quick to correct false ideas that are held surrounding adoption, but try to do so in a friendly way, all while maintaining my daughter's privacy and respecting her feelings and her story. It's not such an easy task, but I'm getting more and more practice all the time.

Adoptive families also spread the good word about adoption without even trying to do so or realizing what they are doing. Both verbally and non verbally, families interact, teach their children, laugh, share inside jokes and enjoy each others’ company. Passers by take notice and without us even realizing it, we’ve shone a positive light on adoptive families.

Above all else, celebrating adoption at home will instill in your children, family and friends the positives surrounding adoption. Hopefully the next time a family member or friend who has been touched by your adoption encounters a misinformed person, they will think of your family and speak up.

photo credit

More Reading:
November is National Adoption Awareness Month!
Viet Nam Adoption Documentary for National Adoption Awareness Month
National Adoption Month - A Call For Stories