Help, I'm terrible at explaining open adoption...

Dragonfly_Bride

Once again I was in a situation where I had an opportunity to educate an friend on why we choosing open domestic newborn adoption, and I royally screwed it up. I mean, the question is usually really simple - like why domestic adoption, or what's the process.. and I completely turn red, stumble over my words, use over-technical positive adoption language, then feel I need to translate that into "layman's terms" and really, I'd just like a nice pat answer/statement. I'm not getting defensive, and the people who are asking the questions are offending me, they simply have no idea about the process or about open adoption and I really should be able to explain it without looking like a fool.

So, help!! (Right now we're in the waiting to wait/finishing our homestudy stage. We go active in February.)

eros1202

Maybe you should try typing or writing out your reasons.  This may help you artidulate your reasonings nad the process and the answer will come from you, so when you are addressed you are comfortable with your answer and it will come from you.  I find that sometimes it helps me, maybe it will work for you.

Art Teacher

Why choose open domestic newborn adoption?

You could say...We wanted to adopt a newborn because we wanted the full child-raising experience from birth.  We adopted domestically because often adopting a newborn isn't possible through international adoption.  (You can adopt a slightly older baby/toddler, but not necessarily a newborn child.)

Why open?  We want our child to always know his/her roots and background.  We think it's important for our child to know where he/she came from and be able to have contact with the birthparents.  Think of how you would feel not knowing who your birthparents were...You can also explain that you hope to have a wonderful relationship with your child's birthparents and the ability to share photos, letters, and possibly visits with them.  What a gift to everyone in the adoption triad.

Hope that helps!  I think the more you talk about adoption, the easier it will get.  I talked about it (practiced!) a lot with my family and my coworkers, so I think it's a lot easier now.