Four New Year’s Resolutions for Adoptive Parents

At the beginning of a new year, many people set goals for various areas of their lives: health and fitness, friends and family and work-life balance are just a few of them. For adoptive families, adoption is a lifelong journey and another aspect of life that requires ongoing attention and commitment.
As you begin the new year, consider setting adoption goals and making adoption a priority in your life. Here are some resolution ideas to help you get started:
1. Make adoption a frequent topic of conversation – Weaving adoption into everyday conversations at home is a great way to promote a positive view of adoption and acknowledge the beautiful way your family was created. There are many ways to incorporate adoption into family conversations and activities. This year, make it a goal to mention adoption once a week at family dinners or have a monthly adoption movie night.
2. Get involved in the adoption community – From adoption support groups to online forums to networking events, there are many ways to connect with other adoptive families. Ask your adoption professional about upcoming events in your area, and consult local adoption groups and resources to share advice, receive support, learn more about adoption and make new friendships.
3. Spread adoption awareness – If you are interested in becoming a more active supporter of adoption, the new year is a great time to start. There are countless ways to educate others about adoption. Begin by talking with friends and family about your experiences, and see some of our ideas for spreading adoption awareness.
4. Honor your child’s birth family – Whether you have an open, semi-open or closed adoption, make it a point to continue honoring your child’s birth parents this year. If you have an open or semi-open adoption, resolve to keep your child’s birth parents informed of special milestones, achievements and events. Depending on the level of openness and everyone’s comfort level, consider planning a visit or simply making more frequent contact. Even in closed adoption arrangements, you can make your child’s birth family an important part of your new year by talking with your child about his or her adoption story and reminding them of their birth parents’ love and sacrifice.
As an adoptive family, adoption will continue to shape your lives in the coming year. What are some of your goals as you continue your adoption journey?