Adopting Across Racial and Cultural Lines: What You Need to Know
Families who adopt transracially or transculturally are confronted with a unique set of issues and concerns that require careful thought, preparation and ongoing education. When you adopt a child of another race or culture, the reality is that your family becomes more visible and is often viewed as "different". This interactive on-line seminar is designed to educate prospective and current foster and adoptive parents about the important issues involved in transracial and transcultural adoption. Participating in this session will help parents to determine if transracial adoption is appropriate for their family by exploring issues related to personal motivation, values, extended family, home and community. Participants will also come away from the session with a better understanding of the responsibilities of raising children of other races and cultures, as well as ways to identify community resources and supports that will address the day to day realities faced by multiracial families. Parents will learn ways to instill a healthy cultural and racial identity in their children while at the same time establishing a sense of family cohesion and unity.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 8:30 pm
Parenting from the Trenches
Children who are severely dysregulated and attachment challenged often exhibit behaviors that are troubling and difficult to manage at best, and sometimes even frightening. Adoptive parents may feel overwhelmed and ill-equipped to effectively parent a child who is oppositional and defiant, manipulative and controlling, moody and angry, or even physically destructive to property, self, or others. Understanding why our children behave the way they do helps us to parent from a place of love and acceptance rather than anger and control, utilizing strategies and techniques that will encourage emotional regulation and healing. This seminar will examine "real-life" scenarios and offer practical suggestions for therapeutic parenting techniques that will promote and create healthy attachments and a more peaceful home environment.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 8:30 pm
Navigating the Birth Parent Relationship
The relationship between adoptive and birth parents is at once complicated, challenging , and highly gratifying. It is only natural for adoptive parents to worry about how to build and sustain a mutually rewarding connection that keeps the best interests of their child at the forefront. This seminar will explore several critical issues related to communicating with birth parents such as establishing clear agreements up front, what to do and say during the first meeting, the importance of pictures and letters, entrustment ceremonies, and steps to take when problems arise. The topic of search and reunion will also be addressed. Being informed and prepared is the first step toward alleviating anxiety and establishing a healthy foundation for you and your child.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 8:30 pm
Smashing ANTs - On Demand
Join us from the comfort of your home as we discuss those nagging Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs) that get in the way of your child’s self-confidence and success. Does your child suffer from a negative self-image and lack confidence no matter what you say? Learn fun techniques you can use with your children to improve their attitude, motivation, and self-esteem.
On Demand
