Guidelines for Respectful and Supportive Interaction With Adoptive Families: Things to Avoid Asking or Saying

Adopting a child is a profound and transformative experience for families. It represents the culmination of hope, preparation, and a deep commitment to providing a loving home. However, despite the joy and fulfillment that adoption brings, adoptive families often encounter insensitive or intrusive questions and comments from well-meaning friends, family, and acquaintances. This article aims to highlight what not to ask or say to adoptive families, providing guidance on how to interact respectfully and supportively.

Introduction

Adoption is a deeply personal journey that varies widely from one family to another. While many people are genuinely curious and supportive, some questions and comments can inadvertently cause discomfort or stress. Understanding what topics to avoid and how to approach discussions with sensitivity can help create a more supportive environment for adoptive families.

**1. Avoid Questions About the Adoption Process

Intrusive Questions

Questions about the specifics of the adoption process can be intrusive and may not be appropriate, especially if the adoptive family is not comfortable sharing detailed information.

• “How much did the adoption cost?”: This question can be highly sensitive, as adoption expenses can be significant and vary greatly. Financial details are personal and may be uncomfortable to discuss.
• “How long did it take to adopt?”: The timeline of adoption can be a complex and emotional topic. The length of the process can vary due to numerous factors, and asking about it may bring up painful memories or frustrations.
• “Why did the birth parents give up the baby?”: This question delves into the personal and often painful circumstances surrounding the birth parents’ decision. It can be distressing and is typically not appropriate to ask.

Practical Tips

• Respect Privacy: Understand that adoption involves personal and sensitive information. Respect the family’s right to share only what they are comfortable discussing.
• Focus on the Child: Direct your questions and conversations towards the child and the family’s experiences rather than the adoption process itself.
• Listen and Support: Offer a listening ear and emotional support without prying into details. Show genuine interest in the family’s well-being and their child’s growth.

**2. Be Cautious with Comments About the Child’s Background

Potentially Harmful Comments

Comments about the child’s background can be hurtful and may undermine the adoptive family’s efforts to create a positive environment for their child.

• “They don’t look like you.”: Commenting on physical differences between adoptive parents and their child can be uncomfortable and may inadvertently draw attention to the child’s status as adopted.
• “Are you their real parents?”: Referring to adoptive parents as “not real” can be dismissive and hurtful. Adoptive parents are just as real and valid as biological parents.
• “They must miss their birth parents.”: While it’s natural for adopted children to have complex feelings about their birth parents, this comment can unintentionally emphasize the child’s loss rather than their current stability and security.

Practical Tips

• Affirm the Family: Focus on positive and affirming comments about the child and their family. Emphasize the strengths and joys of the family unit.
• Avoid Comparisons: Refrain from making comparisons between adopted children and their adoptive parents or biological families.
• Support the Child’s Identity: Encourage and support the child’s unique identity and experiences without highlighting differences or past losses.

**3. Steer Clear of Questions About the Child’s Adoption Status

Inappropriate Inquiries

Questions about the child’s adoption status can be intrusive and may place undue pressure on the family to disclose private information.

• “Is the child adopted?”: Asking directly about adoption status can be intrusive, especially in public or social settings. It’s best to avoid discussing adoption status unless the family brings it up.
• “How did they come to be adopted?”: This question can lead to uncomfortable discussions about the child’s past. The focus should be on the child’s current well-being and their place in the family.
• “Do you have any biological children?”: This question can unintentionally make adoptive families feel as though their family structure is less valid or important.

Practical Tips

• Respect Boundaries: Allow the family to share information about their adoption journey at their own pace and discretion.
• Celebrate the Family: Focus on celebrating the family as a whole, regardless of the child’s adoption status or family structure.
• Be Mindful of Privacy: Respect the family’s privacy and avoid pressing for details that they may not wish to disclose.

**4. Avoid Making Assumptions About Adoption

Common Misconceptions

Assumptions about adoption can perpetuate stereotypes and misunderstandings. It’s important to challenge these misconceptions and approach conversations with sensitivity.

• “They must be grateful to you.”: Assuming that an adopted child feels a particular way about their adoption can be presumptuous. Gratitude is a complex and personal emotion that varies from one individual to another.
• “Adopted children have more issues.”: Making generalized statements about adopted children being more likely to have behavioral or emotional problems can be harmful and stigmatizing.
• “You’re such a saint for adopting.”: While adopting a child is a commendable and generous act, framing it as a “saintly” or self-sacrificing act can be uncomfortable and may not reflect the adoptive parents’ perspective.

Practical Tips

• Challenge Stereotypes: Educate yourself about adoption and challenge stereotypes or misconceptions. Approach conversations with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
• Focus on the Positive: Emphasize positive aspects of adoption and the strengths of the family rather than dwelling on negative stereotypes.
• Engage Respectfully: Engage in conversations with respect and empathy, avoiding assumptions and focusing on the individual experiences of the family.

**5. Avoid Pressuring for Details About the Birth Family

Sensitive Information

Questions about the birth family can be particularly sensitive and may place unnecessary pressure on the adoptive family to disclose private details.

• “Do you know anything about the birth parents?”: Inquiring about the birth parents’ background or circumstances can be invasive and may bring up difficult emotions for the adoptive family.
• “What was the reason for the adoption?”: Asking about the reasons behind the adoption can be intrusive and may not be appropriate to discuss.
• “Will the child ever meet their birth family?”: This question can be delicate, as the decision to have contact with the birth family varies and is often a private matter for the adoptive family.

Practical Tips

• Respect Confidentiality: Understand that information about the birth family is often confidential and may not be shared.
• Support the Family’s Choices: Respect the family’s decisions regarding contact with the birth family and avoid pressing for information.
• Focus on the Present: Concentrate on the present and the child’s current well-being rather than delving into their background or past.

**6. Be Mindful of Language and Terminology

Respectful Communication

The language used when discussing adoption can significantly impact how adoptive families feel. It’s important to use respectful and inclusive language.

• Avoid Outdated Terms: Steer clear of outdated or potentially offensive terms such as “real parents” or “give up” in favor of more respectful language like “birth parents” and “placed for adoption.”
• Be Sensitive to Terminology: Use language that acknowledges the adoptive family’s experience without perpetuating stereotypes or stigmas.
• Encourage Open Dialogue: Engage in open and respectful dialogue about adoption, using language that reflects sensitivity and understanding.

Practical Tips

• Educate Yourself: Take the time to educate yourself about appropriate terminology and language related to adoption.
• Listen and Learn: Pay attention to how adoptive families refer to their experiences and use similar language to show respect.
• Promote Positive Language: Use language that affirms the family’s experience and fosters positive interactions.

Conclusion

Navigating conversations with adoptive families requires sensitivity, respect, and an understanding of the complexities involved in adoption. By avoiding intrusive questions, refraining from making assumptions, and using respectful language, you can contribute to a supportive and positive environment for adoptive families.

Adoptive families, like all families, deserve to be celebrated and supported. Approaching them with empathy and understanding helps create a more inclusive and respectful society. By being mindful of what not to ask or say, you can help ensure that adoptive families feel valued and supported in their journey.