Children and Families First, Inc.

Grief and Loss in Adoptive Families

For pre-adoptive parents, adoption is sometimes viewed as a win-win-win situation, one that provides parents with a child, a child with a home, and a birth mother with a solution (albeit a bittersweet one) to difficult situation. Amidst the joys of thinking about bringing a new child home, it is easy to overlook that adoption also brings losses for both child and parents.

This seminar explores the role that grief and loss play in an adoption. By recognizing that grief is one aspect of life for any adoptive family, we can move on to look at how we as parents can help our children (and families) cope with it in a positive manner.

In this seminar we'll discuss:

• Losses that children and adults experience in an adoption.
• Typical ways in which people grieve.
• Recognizing there is no time limit for grieving.
• How grief may present itself at various stages of a child's development.
• Tips on providing age-appropriate support for your child.
• How to stay positive about the role grief can play in our lives.

Refer to the Class Schedule for details about when this seminar is scheduled.