The Adoption Club House is a special project of the National Adoption Center for adopted children ages 8-13 (although I saw older and younger members) to gather and share thoughts, feelings, and find information. This interesting resource has articles, a library, links for kids and parents, as well as a message board and forum for it’s young members. There was also a section with games, word finds, jokes, and other fun things to keep kids busy. I was also very interested to see the reader’s section, where kids can submit original adoption related writing and even art work. Wow, I thought while looking over the great submissions, these may be the adoption bloggers of tomorrow!

Personally I think it is great that kids are being encouraged to share their experiences with adoption in a safe forum. Certainly by doing this the belief that adoption is somehow a deficient way to become a family, will begin to be seen as untrue. Many of the writings I did read were positive and speaking about life as an adopted person as a normal, acceptable, experience.

“Adoption is really special because you were wanted, and picked to be in your family. If I could change one thing about adoption, it would be knowing more about your birth family. Being adopted is good and bad because you were wanted, but it can be hard to do projects and answer questions at school”
- By Kathryn, Age 14, Pennsylvania
June 2005

Of course not all the comments I saw were ones that saw adoption as a happy, perfect solution, but most were very positive. A few children spoke of difficulties in adoption, desire to meet birthparents, and even sometimes failed adoptions. Although some of those things might be hard to read, I think it is good that this site is showing real views, from real kids about their personal adoption experiences.

I also noted that there are some surveys that the site had available asking readers questions about everything from their feelings on adoption, to something that their parents might not know that they wonder about in relation to their adoption experience. Very informative reading! It was interesting to note that the voices of the kids at Adoption Clubhouse sounded much like the various opinions among the adults here at the adoption blogs. I enjoyed the site and my 10 year old is anxious to get signed up tomorrow and start submitting her own work. Hey perhaps I can invite her to guest blog here for me? ;)

Fun and Entertainment

Adoption Good or Bad?

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