Friday, March 20, 2009
Discussing Adoption (Part 1)
Just a Thought: When speaking to adoptive parents, don't ask about the child's "real" or "natural" parents. The adoptive parents are the child's real parents, and it may be offensive to suggest that they are unnatural in any way. Instead, refer to the child's biological parents as his or her "birthparents" or "biological parents".
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Thank you for that post! I hate when people come up to me and ask if our biological daughter is our "real" daughter as if referring that one of our children is our fake children! Have a wonderful time in the Philippines. We leave early Sunday!
ReplyDeleteTammy
Hey I think it is very interesting point, but others that are not familiar with the process of adoption (including younger adoptive children themselves)may not be familiar with the more consciously sensitive terminology so adoptive parents are more than parents but also may have the role of educator to those that want to learn more. I know that might not feel like a responsibility that adoptive parents might not have signed up for but by the sound of the post it happens none the less.
ReplyDeleteAlso it seems that the previous comments may question the connection between the child and his/her parents/family but the family and child define that connection.
Tina
This is so important. I'm glad you brought it up! I've had discussions with friends who've adopted and work very hard to raise their quite very real families. Thank you for reminding all of us!
ReplyDelete