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The Value of Adoptive Parent Groups

The Value of Adoptive
Parent Groups

By National Adoption Information Clearinghouse

Parenting has often been called the most complex profession. It becomes even more so when the family includes a child who has been adopted. This is true whether the child is an infant, has special needs or is of a different race or ethnic background. Adoptive parent groups help parents share, understand and manage these complexities. Whether it's general support, such as enduring the adoption waiting period, or specific advice, such as traveling to an unfamiliar country to receive a child, adoptive parent groups have unparalleled value. In the following comments, prospective adoptive parents and adoptive parents attest to the wide range of benefits.

Adoptive parent groups provide educational and social activities. "We talked with other families and learned about topics ranging from Korean culture to sexual acting out. These sessions were not only educational, but great social get-togethers as well, with hot chocolate and popcorn. These were opportunities to get to know one another, hear each other's kids' stories and learn of their progress."

Adoptive parent groups can lead to the formation of a play group. "As each mother arrived with a child or children, there was a buzz of excitement as the mothers asked names, country of birth and age. Standing around our darlings as they invaded the toy box, the four of us were mesmerized with the scene of commonality of the children's height, their playfulness and their Latin-American cuteness."

"Once the children were settled into playing, we chatted and chatted about so many topics all dealing with adoption or Latin culture issues – we shared stories, our older children's conversations and our own observations. It was like a flood of topics needing to emerge from each of us that we sometimes forgot the toddlers until there was a yell or a tugging at a toy."

Want to see more?

• Racial Reactions: When Your Family Crosses Color Lines
• International Adoptions: A Healthy Leap of Faith
• Waiting Children: Foster Care and Adoption Basics
• Talk about it!