Post-Adoption Parenting: Where Do You Find Support?

I'm going to be contributing to a new book about post-adoption parenting and would love to share some of your stories and ideas about how to build a community of support for your child and your entire family.

• What events/challenges have you faced that convinced you of your need for a support community?
• How did you choose a health care professional(s) for your child?
• What recommendations do you have for working with educators?
• ...Finding childcare?
• Has your child needed therapy? How did you figure out whether to seek therapy? What techniques would you recommend for finding an appropriate therapist?
• Have you joined any support groups, social groups, mentoring programs, or faith-based groups? What groups do you recommend?
• In what ways do you, as a parent, find respite? Who helps you out?

If any of these questions strike a chord with you and you'd like to share your own experiences/tips, please e-mail me ASAP.

Comments

[Julie]

Well, let's see. Nothing has "happened" that has made me feel the need for an adoption community. It's just nice to belong to one because there are just certain aspects of parenting that fellow aparents just "get".

Because we are fortunate enough to live near the city where our son's adoption doctor is located, we decided to stay with her. The hospital is she based out of (CHOP) has an adoption center so they are familiar with possible issues faced by adoptees.

I don't think that finding daycare or communicating with educators is that different than if my son was biological. They know he's adopted only because he is of a different ethnicity.

My son is only 2 so therapy isn't an issue (yet) however, I would recommend consulting your local children's hospital - they have such wonderful resources.

I was very fortunate to find a group based out of Philadelphia for families who have adopted from Guatemala. They have monthly outings and are lovely people. I have also found an online group for Jews who have adopted from Guatemala as well which has been nice.