I’ve mentioned lifebooks or scrapbooks periodically in posts here and there, but don’t think I have written an article explaining them in detail and why I think they are important for all adopted children.
Many adoption professionals are promoting the use of lifebooks for foster children and children adopted at an older age, but I think any adopted child could benefit from having a lifebook.

I made a lifebook for Charlie about two years ago and it was very well received by him and his parents. After seeing how Charlie and his family reacted to his lifebook, I encourage all birthmothers to create a lifebook for their children either to pass on to the adoptive parents when they place their child or to give them a bit later in life.

So, what is a lifebook?
A lifebook is basically a scrapbook that tells about your role in your child’s life as his/her birthmother and about your family. It doesn’t have to be fancy. It can be simply made by hand or even using your computer! It’s not so much how it looks as it is what it says. The information in it is the key!

How do I create a lifebook?
First off, you must decide what information you’d like to include in your lifebook. (Some suggestions are included below.) Like I said before, there are no rules, no right or wrong, so the information you include in your lifebook is totally up to you.

You can choose to make your lifebook by hand in scrap booking fashion or use some of the newer computer scrap booking software. With the software you can print your pages out and place them in an album.
Again, it doesn’t have to be fancy - it is truly the information and sentiment that counts!

To be continued.......