Understanding Post-Adoption depression

Helpful Article: Understanding Post-Adoption Depression.

The research, published in this month’s Western Journal of Nursing Research, found that the depression experienced by adoptive parents often stemmed from unmet or unrealistic expectations of the parenting experience.

One reason is that during the adoption process, prospective parents go to great lengths to prove they will be fit parents. After the adoption, some struggle with the fact that they aren’t the “superparents” they promised to be, Dr. Foli said.

“Parents who go through the adoption process have financial disclosures, a home study, there is an interview by a social worker — they are really opened up,” Dr. Foli explained. “You become a persuader that indeed you’re not just going to be an O.K. parent but a ’superparent.’ But there is no perfect parent. You’re a regular parent, yet there is that disconnect between what you expected to happen and what does happen.”

Insightful.

Read the whole thing.

HT: Adoptive Dads

"Encouragement for Foster Parents"

This is a quick read, but was very encouraging for me. I won't say
more. Gotta read it!

http://adoptivedads.org/encouragement-for-foster-parents/

Here's the original post from Josh Harris

Adoption: The heart of the Gospel

A while back, I posted a link to a sermon by John Piper entitled "Adoption: The heart of the Gospel." A few weeks ago, our church had an adoption meeting, and this article was passed out. Just thought I'd re-post it to keep it fresh. This is about God's heart towards adoption, and worth the read, even if you aren't considering adoption.

Adoption: The Heart of the Gospel

Financing an Adoption (Justin Taylor)

Here's a list of a few adoption financing resources from Justin Taylor.

http://theologica.blogspot.com/2007/08/financing-adoption.html

"I Received Grace"

A good article about one woman's decision to place her baby up for adoption.

http://lifestyle.msn.com/familyandparenting/babyandpregnancy/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4999437&page=1

Big list of Adoption Resources

I just ran across this big list of adoption resources. It's maintained by Families With Children from China (FWCC), but it seems to have some good Adoption Resources in general.

http://www.fwcc.org/internetsources.html

The Adoption Clubhouse

http://www.adoptionclubhouse.org/

This is a site where kids (and adults) can go to learn about Adoption. I just found it, and haven't yet spent much time there. If I find some cool stuff I'll write about it.

Child Welfare Information Website - US Government

http://www.childwelfare.gov/

Essential Resource

Here's an essential resource...

http://www.adoptuskids.com

The Adoption Guide

I just ran across a good site for adoption resources.  It's called "The Adoption Guide" and is available at http://www.theadoptionguide.com/.