Language is a powerful way to convey positive adoption messages. Below are some most common terms which can unintentionally denigrate an adoptive family, along with a preferred term. With practice, they will become more natural, and will convey a positive attitude about adoption.
Often heard -Preferred
Unwanted child - Waiting Child
Foreign child - Internationally-adopted, child/child born in ____
Adoptee - Adopted person
“What a lucky child” - “Children are a blessing”
Keep a child - choose to parent
Adopted child* - Child or (son/daughter)
Give up a child - Plan an adoption
Do you have any of your own children? - All children in a family are their parents’ own children. If necessary to distinguish children born into a family, preferred term is birth child.
*Adopted is only a qualifier if adoption is relevant to the discussion
Stolen from "A" is for Adoption
No comments:
Post a Comment