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PARENTING IN THE ADOPTIVE FAMILY

Fri, 09/12/2008 - 06:07 — hrobacher

 

Parenting in the Adoptive Family;

Tools to enhance insight and connection

(six week informational parent group)

 

Adoption not only launches families into the complexities of bonding with a loved child, but often stirs unanticipated challenges and wisdom. While a family may initially feel prepared to take on the joys of an adopted child, ongoing developmental issues often present unique challenges for the adoptive family. These challenges can be subtle and overlooked, or escalate into overwhelming and confusing situations. As a group we will explore the expertise and wisdom of our own families, as well as information generated by professionals, parents, and adopted children.

 

In this facilitated parent group we will:

  • Share adoption stories.
  • Address specific parenting/adoption concern of group participants.
  • Discuss parenting issues that are both the same as, and different than, parenting a child born into the family.
  • Gain information and support regarding transracial adoption.
  • Access support in building a strong multi-racial family and community.
  • Learn to better understand and hold powerful feelings of loss.
  • Explore complex layers of social relationships (parent/child, siblings, grandparents, extended family, friendships, community, and schools).
  • Build awareness of challenges throughout the life span (attachment, individuation, identity development, defining self in an adult world).
  • Develop skills for creatively addressing conversations about adoption.

 

Although families who have not adopted transracially are welcome, there will be an intentional focus on transracial adoption throughout the group.

   

   Dates:    6 Mondays; beginning 10/6/08 through 10/10/08

    Time:    5:00 to 6:30 PM

    Place:    Millpond Center for the Arts

                     50 Newmarket Rd. Durham, NH

      Cost:    $200 for one parent, $350 for parenting couples.

Contact:   Shelly Stratton,   (603) 969-6985

                    PO Box 19, Durham, NH 03824

 

About Shelly Stratton, LICSW:

My interest in adoption began with the transracial adoption of my brother when I was 7 years old. This experience inspired ongoing investigation and training in the area of adoption. I have worked with children and families at many different points in the adoption journey, (birth families relinquishing parental rights, foster families, foster to adopt, international adoption, domestic adoption). I received my MSW from the University of Washington, (1999) and hold a license in the state of NH (LICSW).  I also completed Post Graduate Certification in Foster Care and Adoption Therapy, from Antioch University (Seattle, WA). In my practice I work with children and families primarily using sandplay, play and family therapy to promote improved relationships, personal growth, and self expression.