Discussing adoption with sensitivity and respect

When parents adopt children in Ohio, they should prepare to answer lots of questions about their decision and the background of their new child. While the insensitivity or unawareness of some people may be offensive, prepared parents can effectively filter questions and provide pointed, respectful and informative answers.

Parents can carefully select which parts of their child’s adoption story they are comfortable sharing. Depending on the age of the child, they may ask for input about what the child is and is not comfortable with people knowing.

Taking full parental responsibility

According to familyeducation.com, parents who shift the blame of their child’s problems to adoption, run the risk of appearing insensitive to their child. Even if a child has behavioral problems, parents who refrain from using adoption as a copout and instead show support and resolve to love their child may reiterate their commitment to providing their child with love, stability and acceptance. Parents should be careful about their own behavior so as not to encourage insensitive remarks or questions from their circle of family and friends.

Asking adoption questions the right way

Some questions asked to adoptive parents are downright shocking. Healthychildren.org suggests some ways that parents and others can talk about adoption without being offensive. When asking questions about adoption, people should show genuine interest, express curiosity in learning about the child’s culture and heritage and refrain from using adoptive terminology such as “adoptive parents” and “adopted child.” People who recognize the unique characteristics of families and celebrate those differences can more effectively show inclusivity, sensitivity and respect.