Family Oo

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Biracial Adoption
by Luke Frolich
http://www.tlcadoptions.com

Adoption is often a stressful time for the new child and
the adopting family. No one knows just what to expect, as
each person has a distinct personality. They also must deal
with adjusting to a new life and variations in background.

If you add racial differences to the mix, the whole
adoption process may be that much more anxiety provoking.
For instance, the child will undoubtedly worry about
meshing with a family with so many differences from their
own. The parents may have the same concerns about putting
the child at ease in new surroundings and ethnic beliefs.

Although many prospective adoptive parents may feel
tentative about biracial adoption, most experts agree that
families can make biracial adoption very successful,
provided they are willing to work on specific areas of
concern for the child. For instance, when families make an
effort to be inclusive of the child's culture or origins,
and take care to add elements of that culture or interest
to their family life, the adoptive child will be nurtured
and grow. Most families have to take make some allowance
for difference in the child's beliefs or behaviors that
originate in another country, especially if the child is
older.

For instance if you have a Native American child, it would
be a great idea to take him or her to a local tribal event.
That way the child won't feel so estranged from his roots.
Perhaps you could find some Native families in your area so
that your child could have play dates and other fun
activities with Indian children. If you should adopt an
Asian child, visits to restaurants serving their native
foods might be a pleasant experience.

Adoptive parents need to help preserve and respect their
new child's previous culture. Simple steps, like learning
phrases of the child's native language, making efforts to
celebrate holidays or special events, and visit cultural
museum, concert or showing can be helpful in showing the
child that they are special and their culture is respected.

It will also take your child time to adjust to your
family's way of living. For instance, your adopted child
might come from a culture where stealing is admired because
it shows craftiness and physical dexterity. This may lead
him or her to try and impress you by taking something.
Rather than showing anger, you would need to explain that
this talent isn't valued in their new social structure.

Sometimes children who live in a family that is racially
different from them are subject to harassment by other
children, either in the neighborhood or school. It will be
up to you to explain the situation to any children that
visit, as well as talking to the school about putting a
stop to such bullying.

Biracial adoption can bring a host of benefits for parents
and kids alike. But the family may first have to address
unexpected issues and concerns that could arise from
several areas of their shared lives.

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