How do I tell my little girl about her adoption? I'm thinking about writing and illustrating a bedtime story that is all about her adoption. When I mentioned this to the counsellor at the adoption agency, she seemed hesitant and told me that I had to be very careful about what words I used so not as to reflect badly on her birthparents. Which now has me, well, having writer's block.
Any ideas? (By the way...she's only 21 months old, but my goal is to have the story done before she turns 2.)
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I second the suggestion to
I second the suggestion to get Beth O'Malley's book. She also has a website. The book has several templates that are easily adapted to fit your child's personal story.
I'm actually suprised the counselor didn't suggest this.
I made a lifebook for my daughter (I'm a birthmom, BTW) using Beth O'Malley's book as my guide and it came out beautifully. I showed it to an expert in the adoption community who was impressed and felt that it honored the reality of adoption.
My daughter (she's 5) has read it many times and I know it has helped her understand and process her story.
As an aside, I created the final book by making a photo book at kodak gallery so it looks really nice, too.
Have you considered making a
Have you considered making a lifebook for your daughter? I'm making one for my 10-month old daughter right now, and I like the framework in Beth O'Malley's book called LifeBooks. Best of luck as you get started with whatever sort of book you decide to write.
I think it's awesome to
I think it's awesome to write your own story, since many mass market books won't fit your exact situation. You can then incorporate the first parents however it seems both honest and most positive.
I am not sure if the adoption counselor was more specific, but you can certainly choose words that don't reflect badly on anyone.
I would love to have a book
I would love to have a book that really talks about adoption. We adopted through foster care and there are no books about how our family came together. We have visits with his Grandma and Mom and so this really changes our family as compared to the story books out there.
Is there a way to write an adoption story that fits so many different stories?
I don't know if a story can
I don't know if a story can be written to fit everyone because everyone's story is so different. In my little girl's story, her birthparents are both involved and they both chose our family to be their little one's parents and big brother. And that's what I'll be putting in her story.
Maybe jot down some ideas for your story and we can brainstorm some good ideas.