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Words Matter: Positive Adoption Language
Learn about the power of using positive adoption language instead of damaging terms.
Language is the vehicle we use daily to communicate our ideas and notions about the world we live in. And although we might not be aware of it, there is also a subtext to the words we choose, reflecting our values in subtle ways, even when we aren’t consciously trying to do so. Words have a way of shaping our beliefs and thought processes.
Adoption can be an emotion-driven topic, and sometimes we fail to realize that word choice in certain contexts may convey unintended negative messages. For example, it is typical to hear the phrase “giving up for adoption” or to ask about a child’s “real” parents. Terms like these, amongst many others that are commonly used in adoption today, can actually have a very damaging effect on how others perceive adoption as well as on how adoption triad members view themselves.
The Power of Positive Adoption Language
On the other hand, positive adoption language can help correct the stigma of adoption that it once carried. It's not just simply "another word for adoption", but transitioning from the common phrases we've allowed to seep into our culture that portrays adoption in a negative, archaic way.
Instead, positive adoption language encourages the world to view adoption not as second-best to parenthood, but rather, as a positive option for those who cannot or are not ready to parent. When we change our normal adoption sayings and describe adoption in a more affirming manner, we honor and show respect to birth parents for making a loving, courageous, and selfless choice. For adoptive parents, we affirm their role as their child’s forever family.
Most importantly, for the child, using honest, but positive language, can be the difference between shame and confidence about their story. It’s more than being politically correct. It’s being emotionally correct.
Whether you are an expectant or birth parent, a waiting adoptive family, clinical professional, or even just a friend to an adoptive family, it is crucial that you familiarize yourself with positive adoption language:
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Common Adoption Terminology: What's Wrong with These Terms?
- “Put Up” for adoption
- “Give Up” for adoption
- “Real” or “Natural”
- “Adopted” when referring to a child
- “Keep her child"
This term originated from the Orphan Train Movement of the mid 1800’s, when homeless children from the cities were taken to the countryside and “put up” on stage for landowners to select. These children became the landowner’s property and were taken home to work as field hands.
Using the words “real” or “natural” when describing a child’s birth parents implies that their adoptive parents are somehow “fake” or “unnatural.” The truth is that adoptive parents are “real” parents, just as the birth mother is “real” in her role as well. These terms also imply that because they are not blood-related, the relationships in an adoptive family are not as strong or lasting as relationships by birth.
Using reaffirming language with children is crucial to ensure they feel confident that they are being raised in the family they are meant to be in. Alternatively, mixing up these terms can have confusing and detrimental consequences on the emotional development of adoptees.
By using the adjective “adopted” when referring to a child, one implies that this person’s position within their family requires a qualification, and is subject to a classification. It sends the message that there is a different value placed on this child because he or she does not share a biological connection to their parent. This could impact identity formation and self-esteem.
As much as possible, when referring to individuals, refrain from using the word “adopted” as an adjective. Try and use the word adoption as a verb that describes the way a family was formed (she was adopted), or as a noun when referring to a person (As an adoptee, Jessica…).
A person’s adoption is a part of who they are, but it shouldn’t be a stipulation. As individuals, we see ourselves as many things, all of which collectively inform our identity as a whole. “I am a dancer, an adoptee, a big sister, and an artist.”
Saying that an expectant mother chose to “keep her child,” implies that the child is a possession to be had and ignores the responsibilities of parenting.
Instead, say that she chose to “parent her child” because she is choosing to parent instead of placing for adoption, which is very much within her right and an option that she should feel empowered to choose.
Common Phrases to Avoid Altogether:
It is so wonderful that you have adopted a child in need!
Your son/daughter is so lucky to have been adopted by you!
Your son/daughter is so much better off with you as a parent.
I could not raise someone else’s child.
Other well-known phrases:
- Give up for adoption,
- put up for adoption,
- give away,
- adopted out,
- abandoned,
- surrendered,
- released,
- relinquished
It is very important to consider positive adoption language when talking to adoptive families about their children. There are many well-meaning people who talk about adoption using phrases or asking questions that can be unintentionally hurtful.
The phrases mentioned above are problematic because they are based on misguided assumptions about adoption. Phrases like these imply that adoptive parents are more saint-like than the birth parents and are somehow better and more fit to parent. They also imply that adoptees should feel grateful, and even indebted, to their adoptive parents for adopting them, which completely ignores all the losses associated with adoption. These kinds of phrases are damaging and need to be erased from the adoption dialogue. They only serve to further the misconceptions about adoption.
It's also helpful to use phrases like, make an adoption plan, choose adoption, place child for adoption, terminated parental rights.
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