Adoption Language
The words we choose say a lot about how we really think. Using POSITIVE ADOPTION LANGUAGE means choosing words that show respect for birth parents, adoptive parents, and adoptees. When we use POSITIVE ADOPTION LANGUAGE we choose words that show respect for birth parents, adoptive parents, and adoptees, we say that adoption is a valid way to form a family, just as birth is. Both are important, one is not better than the other.
EXAMPLES
BIRTHPARENT - TUMMY-MUMMY
Avoid saying Real parent
BIOLOGICAL, BIRTHFATHER, BIRTHMOTHER
Avoid saying Real father, Real mother
BIOLOGICAL PARENT
Avoid saying Natural parent
BIRTH CHILD, BIOLOGICAL CHILD
Avoid saying Own child, one of your own
MY CHILD
Avoid saying Adopted child, Own child
MAKE AN ADOPTION PLAN
Avoid saying Give up, Give away, abandoned, surrendered, released, relinquished, gave up for adoption, put up for adoption
TO PARENT
Avoid saying To keep
WAITING CHILD
Avoid saying Adoptable child, available child
MAKING CONTACT WITH
Avoid saying Reunion
PARENT
Avoid saying Parent Adoptive
INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTION
Avoid saying Foreign adoption
PERMISSION TO SIGN A RELEASE
Avoid saying Disclosure
SEARCH
Avoid saying Track down parents
CHILD PLACED FOR ADOPTION
Avoid saying An unwanted child
CHILD WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Avoid saying Handicapped child
Notes: It is not necessary to say "adopted child" or "adoptive parent" unless the situation specifically centers on adoption.
Adoption talk to our kid
http://www.adoptivefamilies.com/talking - See more at: http://www.adopt4life.com/adoption-resources/#sthash.EW45gvTH.dpuf
