Making the Most of Snow Days

Tips on Adopting Older Children

By Corrie Lynne Player

As I conducted research for my newest book, "The Everything Parent’s Guide to Raising Your Adopted Child," I read hundreds of publications, periodicals, and professional papers. I also talked to parents, social workers, and psychologists. In addition, I joined several on-line discussion groups and drew on my own personal experiences. A topic that often came up was whether or not to pursue a foreign adoption, which usually means “older” and “institutionalized.”

I found out that if you adopt an older child from another country, you face cultural and language demands, as well as the usual adjustment problems that come with blending a family.

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Answering Hard Questions about Adoption

By Corrie Lynn Player

The other day at the grocery store, I stopped to chat with a mom pushing a loaded cart while her 14 month old son gnawed on the corner of a box of Cherrios.  She was white and he was black.  And we started talking about what she might say when he gets old enough to understand biological relationships.

All children are curious about birth parents.  They wonder as Chrissy, the little girl a friend of mine adopted from Korea, did, “Why wasn't I born from your tummy?”

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When Your Adopted Child Has Special Needs

By Corrie Lynne Player

“Mamma,” sobbed four year old Amy, “if I’m so bad, are you going to send me back?”

Amy had been adopted six months before after shuffling between five foster homes and her alcoholic, biological mother.  Her words shocked her adoptive mom, who had simply reprimanded her for scattering toys and kicking over the dog’s water dish.  But Amy was voicing what many adopted children feel–the insecurity that comes with knowing their position in the family is different from the average child’s.

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Building Family Bonds

By Corrie Lynn Player

I’ve written about foster/adoption many times over the years.  One of the questions that comes up when people talk to me about adoption is whether or not to tell a child he/she was adopted.

You may wonder whether or not to tell your child, especially if your child looks as if he were born to you.  You might think it’s simpler and better just to avoid the subject.  But adoptions are hard to hide–even if she’s two days old and you move a few weeks later.  The biggest problem will be when (not if) your child finds out.  Hiding things usually means you’re ashamed, and your child will wonder what all the mystery was about and if she should feel inferior.

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Home-Room Parenting

Tips to make the most of the new school year.

Room parenting can be a wonderful way to participate in your young child's school life. Not only can you bask in the warmth of your child's smile as you walk into the classroom, but room parenting also gives you an opportunity to meet other families and meet your child's classmates. With a little organization, a lot of delegation, and open communication, it can be a very rewarding and fun experience.

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