Comments on: Adoption as a Lifestyle

By: Danielle I. Pennel

Danielle I. Pennel — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 16:13:40 +0000

Patty - I like that you shared the perspective of being an adult adoptee and an adoptive parent. Thanks for that.
You mentioned genetics so I thought you should know that in the recent issue of Adoptive Families magazine there is an entire feature on what characteristics are due to genetics or to environment. It’s really interesting considering it’s something all Adoptive parents think a lot about. Based on the article, it seems like we definitely play a huge role in our child’s personality. I’ll have to read more to see if “math” was mentioned!

By: patty

patty — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 17:00:34 +0000

When I first started reading I was disagreeing because I thought “why are we any different because we have an adopted child?” So many times I think people make TOO much of having an adopted child. Then I realized it IS a lifestyle thing. It’s always been a part of my life since I am adopted too. It’s never been a big deal but I think it’s normal that every 3-6 months I order doubles of all the best pics, write a letter about what my daughter has been doing because I am excited to share that with her BPs and don’t want them to miss anything. When she first colored with crayons I kept the first one and the second got put into an envelope, I don’t think anything about it. When My DD is doing something new I wonder how I’ll write about it and make sure I have some good pics - without second guessing or hesitation - it IS a lifestyle thing!
Thank you for bringing this up - I don’t think adopted parents have to be worried about ALWAYS thinking about the child being adopted but to incorporate the thought of the BPs at times and let it just come naturally in time.
It’s strange that there are many times I forget she is adopted - she acts JUST like us - I see so many of my husband’s characteristics in her - it’s strange the nature and nurture - I also rejoice in some of the ways she is NOT like us….I thank the Lord she is already good in math and say all the time “I’m so glad she didn’t get our lack of math brains”.
I guess I come at all of it from a different perspective being an adoptee- I’m grateful for that history…

By: Diane

Diane — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 15:03:28 +0000

These are great points to ponder. How abouut an article on the responses of the adoptive parents’ families? While delighted with the child, some may not know how to respond, or how their comments are being interpreted.