Parents who already have one or more biological children, but want to adopt, often wonder if adopting is a good idea. How will their biological children respond? What about the adopted child? Adoption expert Laura Christianson offers some advice:

"So much depends on how [parents prepare] children for the arrival of a new sibling... the of type of support the extended family offers, the family dynamics... the emotional health of the child being adopted."

Christianson often recommends that families seek advice from a counselor or therapist who specializes in adoption. Family counseling during the first few months can help everyone adjust, work through issues and provide family members with excellent tools for managing the transition. Source: Exploring Adoption Blog

Labels: biological_children, siblings

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Sibling relationships are always challenging. Though there are good times, there's also plenty of arguing and jealousy - a reality that can be amplified when one of the siblings is adopted.

"For the biological child, he may have to deal with issues of having an adopted brother or sister who came from a faraway land and is greeted with hoopla and interest from relatives and strangers upon arrival... For the adopted child, she may have to deal with issues of belonging, especially when the biological child looks like the parents and she doesn't..."

It's these types of challenges that prompted Vanita Oelschlager to write the children's book Made in China. It tells the story of two siblings, one adopted and one not, who are trying to adjust to being in the same family. It can be a great conversation starter if parents and siblings all read the book together. Source: Akron (Ohio) Beacon Journal

Labels: siblings, adoption_gap, jealousy

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Katie was adopted by Eileen and Dave Kibble when she was 3 days old. Twenty-three years later, she was unexpectedly contacted by her biological mother who told her she has a brother and a sister.

"Eileen Kibble arranged a surprise visit for Katie and Marci in Arizona last July on Katie's 'special day' - the date of her adoption... Katie said when she first encountered Marci in the lobby of the motel in Phoenix 'it was like a fairytale movie.'"

This year, Marci is going to visit Katie and her adoptive family in St. Charles during the Downtown Partnership's Sisters Weekend. From April 11-13, the Downtown Partnership has planned numerous activities including wine tastings, shopping, and a live concert. Read more at DailyHerald.com.

Labels: biological_parents, birth_parents, siblings

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