positive vs. negative language

Sometimes politically correct language is important, especially when a child's perception of the language used regarding their adoption can deeply impact their identity.

positive vs. negative:

* Birthparent vs. Real Parent
* Biological vs. Natural parent
* Birth child vs. Own child
* My child vs. Adoptive child
* Terminate/relinquished parental rights vs. Give up
* Make an adoption plan vs. Give away
* To parent vs. To keep
* Waiting child vs. adoptable child/available child
* Biological or birthfather vs. Real father
* Parent vs. Adoptive Parent
* Adoption triad vs. Adoption triangle
* Child placed for adoption vs. Unwanted child
* Was adopted vs. Is adopted

join us in our journey

The purpose of this blog is to share the journey of our adoption process with our family and friends. Even though Joel and I have personal experiences that have already helped us in the process, it's clear that there is so much we don't know about open adoption. Last night, as I was reviewing some of the material provided by our adoption agency, I noticed that most of their service plans (what the agency wants a family to do before adoption) include an "educate family and friends" section. I have mixed feelings about the name of that section for a couple reasons: On one hand, I do want my family and friends to understand our motivations, what's going to happen and the impact that open adoption will have on not only Joel and I, but also on them. On the other, it feels as though we are saying that they don't know anything; therefore, we have "educate" them, so they don't say or do something they shouldn't. Ultimately, I guess there's a balance to be had. Instead of having the attitude "let us teach you", we want to have the attitude "let's go on this journey together". We want all of you, our family and friends, to join us in the learning process as we become parents through adoption.

This is a private blog. You can access it by invitation only. Instead of using Facebook or other (very open) media, we have chosen an outlet that will allow us to screen our audience. By receiving an invitation, we are saying that we want you to be a part of our adoption journey. We are going to share the process, what we're learning, our struggles and (hopefully) information about our future son or daughter.

Thank you for joining us!