My almost ten year old just returned from Girl Scout camp today. She had a great time! I went to pick her up, I just love those times because it seems like we have some of the best conversations about what is going on in her life, and often adoption is part of that conversation. Today was just such a time and we talked at length about adoption and her feelings about being an adopted person. Then suddenly she had a light bulb moment, she asked if she could share some information with adoptive parents about being adopted and I thought that was a great idea.

What Danika has to say about adopting parents and their child. . .

If an adoptive parent is adopting a child, and they first saw the child they might be a little scared. But later when they get to know their child, they can get pretty used to each other and are glad that they adopted him or her. I bet as the child grows up that they will feel good about the family that they have and love them just the same.

What Danika has to say about birthparents and their child. . .

Once birthmothers let go of their child they might feel sad, but on the other hand they might feel glad for the child because they have the extra love of two families now. I would say even if it feels hard that birthparents should try to visit if they can. That is still their child and they should feel happy for them and get to know them even if they are not taking care of them every day.

What Danika has to say about being an adopted child. . .

Even though I am adopted, I do not feel any different than other children who are not adopted. I am still glad to be in my family, and also my birthfamily two. People might ask me questions about being adopted but I feel ok answering them and if I don’t I won’t answer them. I really love my family as much as other children do.

One of the great things about being a parent is hearing things from our child’s point of view. It is really amazing how much more they understand than we often give them credit for. I would encourage adoptive parents to take the time to talk about adoption and family life with your child, even when your days seem over scheduled and busy. A ride in the car is often the perfect time to talk. Remembering to listen to what they are saying is important. This is when you will get a real insight to how they are processing their life experiences and if you need to step in and redirect something they might not be understanding.

Thanks to Danika for the little “interview”, I think you are doing just fine!