An adoptive mom’s powerful photo essay on rude adoption comments
Kim Kelley-Wagner, an adopted mama to two girls born in China, grew tired of the rude and intrusive comments she had to field when out and about with her children. In an effort to illustrate how hurtful the comments were, she and her daughters made a list of the comments they had heard, and then wrote them out and took a picture with them. It’s a powerful photo series that illustrates just how hurtful such comments can be. “I have tried to explain to my daughters that people do not say these . . .
What we can learn from Melissa Harris-Perry
Last week, a segment appeared on Melissa Harris-Perry’s show on MSNBC that reviewed the best photos of the year and asked a panel of actors and comedians to give them humorous captions. It was supposed to be a light-hearted look back at the year, but things went awry. One of the photos was of Mitt and Ann Romney surrounded by all of their grandchildren . . . a photo tradition the Romney's do every year. This year, Mitt was holding his newly adopted African-American grandson, the only person of . . .
How the Christian orphan care movement may be enabling child abandonment
Last week I got to speak at Idea Camp about orphan care. I shared my concerns about the trend of churches opening orphanages in third world countries instead of working at keeping children together with their parents. I suggested that the solution to poverty orphans (children who are placed as a result of poverty instead of the death of a parent) should be to provide resources to the family, instead of requiring the child to move into an orphanage for assistance. I shared my belief that the . . .
How to talk to teachers about adoption issues
As the school year is starting, many adoptive parents may be contemplating having a talk with their child’s new teacher about any adoption-related issues that may arise. I’ve done this myself and thought that I would share some of the segments of letters I’ve written in previous years to address adoption, the complexity of “family tree” or ancestral assignments for adoptees, and race conversations in class. I have personally found it helpful to be proactive in any potential issues. If it turns . . .
Two streams of the same river
This is a guest post by Shelley Clay, originally published on the blog for The Apparent Project. I read it last week and it so clearly articulated the thoughts I’ve been having about the polarity of thinking regarding international adoption and orphan care. Shelley graciously let me post it here. For a little backstory, Shelley and her husband Corrigan live in Haiti, working with The Apparent Project.This non-profit seeks to assist mothers and fathers in poverty keep their children, by providing . . .
Best books for adoptive parents
One of the most common requests I get from other adoptive parents are recommendations for books to read on adoptive parenting. Last month I curated a list of books for people who are considering adoption over at Babble. Ths month I’ve created a similar list for parents who have already adopted. Check out my blog at Babble to see some of my favorite books about adoptive parenting. Next month, I will curate a list specific to transracial adoption. What are some of your favorite . . .
Does a birthmother’s right to privacy trump an adoptee’s right to their own information?
A couple weeks ago, a PR firm contacted me to see if I wanted to interview the author of a new memoir about her experience as a birthmom in a closed adoption. Her story is quite tragic: at the age of 15, the author was raped and placed her child for adoption. She asked that the adoption be closed, and hid this secret even as she later married and had other children. Despite her desire for no contact, the adoptee later searched for her and tried to develop a relationship. The birthmom refused, . . .
best adoption announcement ever
Yesterday a friend tipped me off to this hilarious adoption announcement from photographer Kelli Higgins Kelly’s usual subjects are newborns. One day her 13-year-old adopted son mentioned that he was sad that he had no photos of himself as an infant. On a whim, they decided to have him reenact the typical poses of a newborn shoot.. She said they were cracking up through the whole process. On her facebook page, Kelli wrote: Here's my sweet not so little newborn! His name is Latrell and weighs . . .
Riding in cars with black people: An interview with adoptee Chad Goller-Sojourner
Earlier this month Chad Goller-Sojourner reached out to me about a new play he has written called “Riding in Cars With Black People and Other Newly Dangerous Acts.” It’s an autobiographical play that recounts “the story of a black boy, raised by white parents who ‘ages out’ of honorary white and suburban privilege.” As soon as I heard the premise, I knew I wanted to hear more. Chad agreed to do an interview and we had such an interesting conversation. Chad grew up as the adoptee of a white . . .
adoption blogger interview project 2012: an interview with thorn from mother issues
I am exciting to be participating in the 2012 Adoption Blogger Interview Project, the brain child of Heather Schade.of Production, Not Reproduction (a smart and thoughtful blog on open adoption). She lad this soiree last year and I remember wishing I had participated, so I was excited to be a part of it this year. Heather assembles a great cross-section of adoption bloggers; from birthmoms to adoptees to adoptive parents, and allows us to interview each other. I was paired with Thorn of . . .
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