Article: "Old Think vs. New Think"

Photo courtesy of Diana, Flickr.

From the Adoption Option Committee, Inc.

Old Think vs. New Think

*The OLD think is in BLUE.

If I find myself unexpectedly pregnant, abortion and single parenting are my only choices.

There is a third choice, one that has proven to be a success for birth mothers and children–the adoption option.

I would never consider adoption–it would be too hard.

Which ever choice you make will present many hardships–adoption may be no more difficult than abortion or single parenting.

My friends and family will think I'm terrible giving up my own flesh and blood.

Adoption is not "giving up," it is giving to–a decision you have carefully made out of love for the future of your child and yourself.

I'll never know what happened to my baby. I simply couldn't live that way.

The old way of doing adoptions (secrecy and no control) is out. The new way–open adoption–allows you to make the decisions regarding the future of your child and yourself.

Why adoption? Isn't it just for people who can't have their own kids?

Not necessarily true. Yes, some people cannot biologically conceive, but adoption provides a family for a child, not a child for a family.

Kids who are adopted have lots of problems.

Not founded in fact. Refer to the Search Institute Study. Children who are adopted have, among other characteristics, high self-esteem and positive identity concerns at rates as high or higher than their peers.

What about me? I feel it's my responsibility to raise my child.

Your responsibility is to make the very best and informed decision that you can for your child. Studies show that birth mothers who make an adoption plan typically move on with their life, finish their education, have a career, and eventually marry.

Finding Friday: Create and pass out pass along cards

{Finding Idea: Create and pass out pass along cards.}

Kim and Leisha from Simply You Photography and Design give advice on selecting perfect photos for internet profiles, collages and pass along cards.

When selecting photos these are things to consider:

• Is my subject close enough?
• What is the first thing I think of when I see this photograph?
• Does this photograph tell a story?
• What do I like about it?
• What do I dislike about it?
• What about lighting?
• Does the clothing distract?

These are guidelines they suggested when taking photos:

• Move in close to the subject.
• Eliminate distractions from around the the subjects.
• Get on level with the subject.
• Employ the "Rule of Thirds."

We discussed ways to share our pass along cards. Here are a few ideas. Please share any others you may have in the comments.

• Slip one in any letter or bill that you send out
• Holiday cards: New Years, Valentine’s, Fourth of July
• Hang them up where’er you go: grocery stores, apartment complexes, car washes, community bulletin boards, etc.
• Keep them handy in your wallet or purse.
• Staying in tune for opportunities to share!
• Asking trusted family and friends to share them as well.
• Leave a pass along card with your bill at restaurants.
• If you see a “business card” drop box, drop one in.
• If someone asks about your family, pull out a “family photo” conveniently disguised as a pass along card and leave it with them. Perfect opportunity to talk about your desire to adopt.
• Don’t be afraid, even if you don’t feel comfortable sharing your own story, share the agency cards!
• Email Pass Along Card to everyone in your address book, ask to forward it on!

Kim and Leisha were kind enough to share some of their card designs with all of us. The wording that they used on the cards is wonderful if you are thinking about making pass along cards for yourself. If you are interested in some of their designs, please email them. kim@simply-you.com, leisha@simply-you.com

Traditional Designs

Contemporary Designs

Fourth Sheet Information Cards

The information on the above fourth sheet is wonderful in helping your family and friends know how to specifically help your finding efforts.

Hi everyone. We wanted to give you a little update on what is happening with our adoption. We are just waiting (sometimes even patiently). they say the average wait is three years, which hopefully means we are half way there!

We have grown to love adoption and wanted to remind you about Designated Adoption. Designated adoption is when the birthparents and adoptive parents find each other through a third party. We hope that you will keep us in mind if there is anyone you know who is considering placing their child. Feel free to tell the birthparent(s) and adoptive family about each other; sharing information such as first names, personality traits, talents, hobbies, interests, goals, education and involvement with extended family. We would love to share our profile with anyone who s interested. Just let us know and we'll get you a copy.

We are always willing to talk about our adoption and give you more information, feel free to ask us anytime. you or the birthparent(s) may also contact our caseworker of LDS Family Services at any time to request information, including adoption planning. Thank you for your love and support!

Name and Phone Number of Case Worker

Your blog, personal website or internet profile address.

2009 FSA Regional Conference for OR, WA, AK, CA, ID & HI

This weekend is the 2009 FSA Regional Adoption Conference for Oregon, Washington, Alaska, California, Idaho and Hawaii.

See you there.

Get all the information and register HERE.