Open Adoption Support » terminology http://www.openadoptionsupport.com for families and individuals who support openness in adoption Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:52:52 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 What do I call my child's older birth siblings? http://www.openadoptionsupport.com/2009/06/what-do-i-call-my-childs-older-birth-siblings/ http://www.openadoptionsupport.com/2009/06/what-do-i-call-my-childs-older-birth-siblings/#comments Mon, 22 Jun 2009 01:51:51 +0000 Anonymous http://openadoptionsupport.com/?p=777
  • How do I tell my kids about their older brother?
  • How much should I share with my child's birth mom?
  • Openness when adopting older kids from foster care?
    • ]]>     Hi. I’m new here and happy to have your support. We have an open adoption with my son’s birthmother (and my daughter’s birth mom as well) and are planning a visit soon which will include his older sisters by birth which live with his birthmom and a younger brother who also lives with his birthmom. We also have a daughter who is his little sister through adoption. My son knows he grew in his birthmom’s tummy and that her daughters and baby boy did also. He hasn’t seemed too confused by that so far (he’s 3). We’ve been calling his bio-sibling’s Miss “a”‘s kids, but I think that his birthmom’s kids refer to him as their little brother and I’m a little concerned about what they might say to him at our upcoming visit. I know his birthmom will always have his best interest at heart, but kids will be kids, and you can’t predict or control their words.

    Has anyone else had to explain birth siblings, particularly older ones, to their child? I know he will eventually have questions about why he was placed, but the other children were not. I have thought and prayed about my answer a lot. I’m also wondering if using the “sister” and “brother” term right now might bring these questions up sooner than later? Like every mom(FM or AP) here, I just don’t want him to be confused or upset–especially if he’s not ready to hear and understand.

    Related posts:

    1. How do I tell my kids about their older brother?
    2. How much should I share with my child's birth mom?
    3. Openness when adopting older kids from foster care?

    ]]>     http://www.openadoptionsupport.com/2009/06/what-do-i-call-my-childs-older-birth-siblings/feed/ 11     What if the birthparents want to be called mom and dad? http://www.openadoptionsupport.com/2009/04/what-if-the-birthparents-want-to-be-called-mom-and-dad/ http://www.openadoptionsupport.com/2009/04/what-if-the-birthparents-want-to-be-called-mom-and-dad/#comments Sat, 25 Apr 2009 01:19:23 +0000 Anonymous http://www.openadoptionsupport.com/?p=659
  • What names does your child use with his/her first family?
  • How do others balance all the family at the holidays?
    • ]]>     We recently had our son’s birthparents over for his first birthday. We haven’t really talked much about names, but I always assumed he would call them their first names. They signed their birthday card to him “mom and dad.” It was really strange looking to me. I mean, I know they ARE his parents, but in my mind, we are his mom and dad. So, should I talk to them about this? Also, what do your adopted kids call their bparents

    Related posts:

    1. What names does your child use with his/her first family?
    2. How do others balance all the family at the holidays?

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