Open adoption can be a confusing topic for many adults.
I have to admit, when I first started out in the adoption field as a younger, uneducated social worker, there were quite a few myths I believed about open adoption that simply weren’t true. In my most recent video, I discuss 3 common myths about open adoption. Let’s take a look at what those are:
1. Open adoption is a co-parenting relationship
This is not true! Adoptive parents have sole custody of the child. The birth parent does still have an active role in the child’s life and is available to answer any questions that may come up as they grow.
2. Open adoption is confusing to children
I love this myth because children are not the ones that are confused. More often than not, the adults in the child’s life are the confused ones! Children are adaptable and quickly figure out who is in their life and what their normal is. Adults are sometimes the ones that have a harder time accepting this normal, since it may be different than how they grew up.
3. There are no boundaries stopping birth parents from knocking at your door at any time
False! Just like in any family, there are healthy boundaries. Birth parents can be invited into whatever activities the family decides. It is usually a scheduled occurrence when children interact with their birth parents.
Open adoption may be a different way of doing things, but it doesn’t have to be confusing! If you have any more questions about open adoption, don’t be afraid to reach out to Adoption & Beyond and ask!
What did you think of this week’s youtube video? Do you have any more myths or questions about open adoption? I’d love to hear them!
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