| ethical adoption

All You Need Is… Empathy?

(Also known as Empathy Makes the World Go ‘Round?) Why is it that there are no great songs written about empathy? Love may make you go weak in the knees, but empathy builds connections and helps you through the rough spots. Empathy is the ability to relate to another person in the midst of their … more »

Roots and Wings

There is a frequently quoted inspirational saying which asserts the two greatest gifts we can give our children are roots and wings. This has been interpreted to mean as parents we provide the foundation for our children so that they can develop into their own personalities and be able to chase their own dreams. When … more »

Grief and Anger

Most people recognize sadness as a part of grief. If you see someone crying, it’s easy to make the assumption that something is wrong. Tears and sadness are a combination that everyone seems to understand. Anger is also a part of grief. It’s that little understood part, because let’s face it. No one likes to … more »

I HEREBY RESOLVE…

So here it is, another new year. Welcome to 2019! For almost half of Americans, making a resolution for the new year is a part of the tradition of the holiday. These generally are self-improvement based…lose weight, add a fitness routine, improve personal finances, or stop smoking. Do these resolutions work? Do those Americans who … more »

My heart is full.

Today I watched the beginning of a miracle. Working in adoption is hard. It’s filled with joy, but it’s also filled with grief and brokenness. So much of the work done in adoption is done prior to the delivery of the baby. It’s careful consideration on the part of the expectant mother. It’s looking at … more »

A Four-Letter Word that Has No Place in Adoption

How careful are you in the words that you use? How careful are the people around you in the words they choose? Are there any words or phrases that make you uncomfortable? That are overused until they lose their meaning? There are many words used when talking about adoption. There are words that describe the … more »

Rights and Responsibilities for Adoptive Parents

Adoption is an emotionally charged experience. No matter if you come to adoption from infertility or because of a faith calling, it involves the lives of not just the child, but the lives of the child’s birth family and extended family. Adoption has an impact on the siblings the child may have in either the biological … more »

Livin’ on a Prayer

It’s quite common to hear people voicing their prayers, asking for prayers, and sending thoughts and prayers. Whether it’s from the pulpit of a church or a shared post on Facebook, it seems as though prayer is pervading every part of our lives. Those associated with the world of adoption hear prayer requests all the … more »

Agency or Attorney?

Adoption is one of those topics about which everyone seems to have an opinion or story. If you mention that you are thinking about becoming an adoptive parent, you will likely hear those opinions or stories, whether you want to or not. Within that conversation, there is also a good chance you will hear the … more »

Is visitation after an adoption a good idea?

Once you start exploring the idea of adoption, you begin to face lots of decisions. One of those decisions is whether or not to ask for visits with your child after the placement is done and baby is home with the adopting mommy and daddy. And like most things in adoption, there is no one … more »