Burlington United Methodist Family Services exists to help people explore adoption-related options. They also help people understand exactly how the adoption process works.

"Many prospective adoptive parents fear having the biological parents change their minds at the last minute. 'That's not as common as people believe,' Brown said. 'The biological parents have 72 hours after a baby is born. After that, they can't change their minds...'"

Other common myths that Burlington tries to address are the beliefs that adoption is too complicated and that it's too expensive. Read more at Register-Herald.com.

Labels: options, myths

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A family, who recently completed the adoption process and returned from the Ukraine with a new addition to their family, has created a blog where they bust some of the myths about adoption in general and, more specifically, about adoption in the Ukraine.

"Despite reading and talking with others about the adoption process, I still did not understand correctly about the wait after the court hearing... Once the paperwork is submitted to the judge, a court date will be set (likely for 10 days past submission)... The judge makes a ruling on the court date, but the child will not be allowed to leave the orphanage for another 10 days... "

The family also offers insight into the country's culture, the environment in the orphanages they visited, and the conditions of the hotels in which they stayed. Read more at TravelPod.com

Labels: cultures, myths, European

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Some adoption stories included a statement from one of the adoptive parents, stating that he or she bonded with their adopted child immediately. While that's true in some cases, for others it takes time to feel truly connected with their child. Laura Christianson discusses some of the other adoption myths that are addressed in the book 'The Post Adoption Blues: Overcoming the Unforeseen Challenges of Adoption'.

"Myth #2: 'I will like this child.' Of course we all plan to like our children. We are determined to like them. But many parents admit, 'I love my child but I don't like her.' The reluctance to like one's child can occur when parent and child have different temperaments, personalities and life experiences (particularly in the case of an institutionalized child.)"

The book's author suggests seeking help if weeks or months have passed and a parent is still not feeling connected to his or her child. She also suggests that parents go easy on themselves and realize that adopting a child creates a whole new dynamic. An adjustment period is natural and to be expected. Read more at AdoptionBlogs.Typepad.com.

Teen drug abuse can be a scary thing for a family to face. Learn more about how to help your teenager at Adolescent-Substance-Abuse.com.

Labels: parenting, myths, bonding

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In years past, most books about adoption focused on the actual process - what to expect, how much it might cost, etc. Today, more and more adoptive parents and adoptees are telling their stories of life after adoption, and they can help potential adoptive parents set realistic expectations for life with their new little ones.

"Three recent books examine different aspects of adoption from the adoptive parent's point of view. One is a review of the social culture and economic factors at play in adoption from China... The second... an adoption memoir... The third, a book of wise advice..."

All three books are reviewed by Jane Greer, who offers additional recommendations as well. Read more at UUWorld.org.

Labels: support, myths, misconceptions

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Adoption plays an important part of society, however, fear and misconceptions often prevent families and communities from supporting adoptive families.

Some common adoption misconceptions include:

• Adopted children have more problems than biological children and are harder to raise.
  
• If a child does not instantly bond with the family there is something wrong with the family or the child.
  
• Adoption is second-best.

Read the responses to these and other common misconceptions and myths about adoption and find recourses for adoptive families online.

Labels: myths, misconceptions

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