Adoption Talk Series 2009-2010
For Adoptive Parents and Parents to Be
We require that you pre-register by phone or email.
LSS offers this series of open discussions for adoptive parents, adults in the process of adopting, and those thinking about adoption. Join us for facilitated discussions on a variety of topics unique to adoptive family life. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet and chat with adoptive parents!
WHERE:
- Bethany Lutheran Church, 50 Court Street, Cromwell, CT
- Bethesda Lutheran Church, 305 Saint Ronan Street, New Haven, CT
WHEN: Evenings, 7-8:30 pm (see dates below)
COST: $15 per family suggested donation
RESERVATIONS: Call 1-860-257-9899 or email Lynn Gabbard
THINKING ABOUT A TRIP TO YOUR CHILD’S BIRTH COUNTRY?
Wednesday, November 4, 7-8:30 pm (Cromwell)
Many factors affect the timing and details of travel to the birth country with children. We invite you to take advantage of this great opportunity to hear from a family who recently traveled to Vietnam with their two children. They will share their experiences with planning and preparation for the trip, advice about dos and don’ts, children’s reactions, and many other issues.
THE INTERNET AND THE ADOPTIVE FAMILY
Tuesday, November 10, 7-8:30 pm (Cromwell)
The Internet poses unique issues and challenges for all parents but has particular significance and impact on the adoptive family. Join us to discuss these challenges with other adoptive parents in the context of adoptive family life.
RACE AND CULTURE IN YOUR CHILD’S LIFE
Tuesday, November 17, 7-8:30 pm (Cromwell)
This workshop will address the ways in which race and culture impact on your child’s – and your family’s – life across the lifecycle. Strategies for dealing with prejudice and discrimination and helping your child to feel proud of his/her heritage will be discussed. This workshop always results in a thought-provoking and stimulating dialogue among parents.
ADOPTION AWARENESS DURING THE PRESCHOOL YEARS
Monday, November 30, 7-8:30 pm (New Haven)
This workshop is designed to help parents of preschoolers to cope with their child’s growing understanding of adoption, from their first simple questions to their true perception of what “being adopted” means. Come prepare for the coming years with fellow adoptive parents and take home a recommended reading list of adoption-related books for preschool aged children.
CREATIVE STRATEGIES FOR RAISING RESPONSIBLE CHILDREN AND HANDLING CHALLENGING BEHAVIORS:
AN INTRODUCTION TO LOVE AND LOGIC PARENTING MODEL
Tuesday, December 8, 7-8:30 pm (Cromwell)
Parents frequently express their “weariness” with control battles with their children and
seek strategies that effectively manage difficult behaviors. The "Love and Logic" parenting model was developed by internationally recognized child psychiatrist Foster Cline, M.D. and educational consultant Jim Fay. It presents methods of parenting that reduce these power struggles. Join us to learn more about this parenting model and discuss practical strategies for dealing with your child’s challenging behaviors.
2010
BOOKS, MOVIES AND MEDIA: WHAT MESSAGES ARE OUR CHILDREN RECEIVING ABOUT ADOPTION?
Monday, January 25, 7-8:30 pm (New Haven)
We invite you to join other adoptive parents in a discussion of how our culture portrays adoption and adoptive families and how to turn these portrayals into “teachable moments” and opportunities for growth and understanding.
SHARING DIFFICULT ADOPTION INFORMATION WITH CHILDREN
Tuesday, February 23, 7-8:30 pm (Cromwell)
In the context of a discussion of children’s varying developmental levels of understanding of adoption, we will discuss how and when to share the more difficult and potentially challenging aspects of your child’s adoption story.
OPENNESS IN ADOPTION
Monday, March 22, 7-8:30 pm (New Haven)
Join us for this thought provoking discussion of common fears and misperceptions with regard to open relationships and receive advice about making appropriate decisions in the best interests of your child.
PARENTING OUR TEENS
Tuesday, April 27, 7-8:30 pm (Cromwell)
Join us to learn more about how teens’ perspectives and emotions around adoption change during these years and how you can best help and prepare your children (and yourselves!) for these sometimes tumultuous years!
SIBLING RELATIONSHIPS IN ADOPTIVE FAMILIES
Monday, May 24, 7-8:30 pm (New Haven)
Sibling relationships are such an important and integral part of the childhood experience, and adoptive families are no exception. Join the discussion with other adoptive parents about the issues and nuances that come up within adoptive families around siblings by birth, siblings by adoption, birthchildren and adopted children as siblings.
LIFEBOOKS AND FAMILY SCRAPBOOKING ACTIVITIES
Tuesday, June 15, 7-8:30 pm (Cromwell)
Hear from an adoptive parent, who is also a family therapist, about strategies for creating – or extending – your child’s lifebook during the summer. We will discuss both the “product” and the “process:” the adoption conversations a lifebook can engender, and its importance for children and parents. Summer is a great time for family talks! |