Adoption Talk Series 2010-2011
For Adoptive Parents and Parents to Be
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: Reservations are required 24 hours in advance
Call 1-860-257-9899 or email Lynn Gabbard
2010
ADOPTED CHILDREN IN SCHOOL
Tuesday, September 28, 7-8:30 pm (Cromwell)
Understanding of adoption and adoptive families in the school setting, discussion of troublesome assignments and strategies to help your child in school. Invite your child's teacher to come along!
TALKING WITH CHILDREN ABOUT ADOPTION
Tuesday, October 19, 7-8:30 pm (Cromwell)
Always our best-attended workshop! How to keep adoption talks age-appropriate and relevant to our kids' developmental stages and level of interest - how to answer those tough questions and raise those tough issues. Important information for all of us, regardless of our children's ages and stages!
THINKING ABOUT A TRIP TO YOUR CHILD’S BIRTH COUNTRY?
Wednesday, November 3, 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 9, 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 16, 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 29, 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 7, 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.
2011
BOOKS, MOVIES AND MEDIA: WHAT MESSAGES ARE OUR CHILDREN RECEIVING ABOUT ADOPTION?
Monday, January 24, 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 22, 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 21, 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 26, 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 23, 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 14, 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!
|