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Families with Children From China, Northern California
 

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Adoption-in-the-Schools Packet Available from FCC 
by Linda Park 

© Linda Park 2000

I have talked to the children in my girls’ classrooms several times and find that it becomes easier as I go. I am glad to be able to talk about our family so that the other children learn that adoption is a way families are built. A couple of experiences stick in my memory and encourage me to continue. 

Once when I asked, “Does anyone know what adoption means?” a precocious kindergartner answered, “Yes, that’s when you are ugly and your parents don’t want you so they give you away.” “Wrong!” Bringing out and refuting that kind of belief is why I do the adoption talks. Another time a delightful second grader broke off playing with her friends the day after my talk to thank me for teaching her about adoption. A little encouragement goes a long way. 

I always ask my daughters what they think about the talk I’m planning and what they do and do not want me to say, because I want to honor their needs at the time. Each responds differently, but they have always been happy about it in general. As they get older I am prepared to back away and let them handle things their way, but right now I am attempting to bring the information to their classmates and teachers. I have always received a lot of appreciation from the teachers about the information I provide. One teacher was especially grateful for advice on adoption language. Teachers need to be educated too. 

If you are interested in receiving a packet of teacher information and ideas for talks with your child’s class, please contact Gayln Lum, 2501 Tassajara Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530, (510) 232-9297, bjacobs@uclink4.berkeley.edu. Gayln has generously volunteered to mail packets to FCC members. 

Linda Park is the proud mother of Hannah and Breana.