Like many other journeys, adoption can come with stereotypes attached to its name. Most of the time, people don’t know the truth behind adoption stories
as no one story or journey is identical, and this causes them to make ignorant comments. However, there are ways to help this mindset improve so that those individuals can be educated on the good, the bad, and everything else that comes with adoption.
In aiming to do that, Adoptions From The Heart has provided some tips and guidance on navigating stereotyping and misconceptions you may experience along the journey.
#1 Education and Awareness
Adoption has come a long way. The Adoptions From The Heart blog and newsletter are great ways to stay educated on adoption news, tips, and topics. We encourage people to read it to stay in the know of current laws, stories, and helpful advice for the community. Many people may have preconceived notions about adoption but educating yourself and others through trusted media and tools are great ways to begin an appropriate understanding of adoption, specifically open adoption. Additionally, keeping up with AFTH social media provides resources easily accessible to all who want to learn more.
Our social media is listed below:
Facebook: @AdoptionsFromTheHeart
Twitter: @AFTH_org
Instagram: @AdoptionsFromTheHeart
YouTube: @Adoptions From The Heart
Podcast: A Heart-to-Heart with Adoptions From The Heart
#2 Boundaries
We understand sometimes people close to you can say hurtful things. If you choose to keep a relationship with someone who doesn’t share your same views on adoption, it’s essential to protect your emotions. An example of setting a boundary could be choosing to only talk about specific topics or keeping the relationship more distant until you have a clearer understanding of yourself and can acknowledge your wants and needs. If someone doesn’t want to educate themselves, it’s important to prioritize your feelings in the relationship.
#3 Support
If your support feels low, remember you’re not alone. When negative comments cause you to feel isolated, remember the people who know your story, and most importantly, you know yourself best. Adoptions From The Heart has support groups you can find on our website if you need resources and a support network. The adoption community is there for one another! Encouraging those who are uneducated about adoption to listen to real stories of people is another productive way to eliminate preconceived notions. Adoption is full of highs and lows; a sense of community can help during challenging moments.
#4 Positive Language
Integrating positive adoption language into your daily conversations can lead others in the right direction regarding adoption. Some people may not be ready to learn, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use educational and positive phrases to work on poor stereotyping language.
Check out our ultimate guide on how to use positive adoption language: https://afth.org/the-ultimate-guide-to-positive-adoption-language/
Adoptions From The Heart recognizes the ongoing efforts made by many communities to beat misconceptions. We believe in the adoption community being solid and beautiful with the power to challenge stereotypes.
