subject: Is Transracial Adoption Right For You? [print this page] Transracial adoption is a source of controversy. Some feel that children should be taken in by a family where one parent is of the the same ethnicity as the child to encourage positive racial identity and self-esteem. An alternative point of view is that an honest, genuine love for a child is the most important thing and the race of the child should have no bearing on the process of selecting an adoptive family.
What is certain is that when welcoming a child of a different race into your family, life becomes externally centered and family members need to come to terms with standing out in the community. People may frequently assume that the child is from a different country and people you hardly know might ask questions in derogatory ways. You need to be on constant alert to set straight less than positive experiences and it may be necessary to move to a more culturally diverse area so that the child can be around role models of many races.
You should expand your social network by connecting with people who are the same race as the child through both friendships and professional relationships. Diversity racially should be considered when you are choosing schools, youth groups and entertainment. Children in transracial families also benefit from going to cultural festivals and activities where they are part of the ethic majority.
Prospective adoptive parents must understand that absent prejudice is not enough to make them good parents of a child of another race. Considering what life as a multicultural adoptive family might be like before choosing to adopt a child of a another race is a must for prospective adoptive parents. In addition to reading books and articles on the topic, it may be helpful to enrol on a transracial educational program and to speak with adoption experts.
If you are certain that transracial adoption is right for you and your family, you should talk about racial prejudice and racism as a family to help the child overcome the likely concerns they will have. You must also make your home a racially diverse environment, with books, music and movies that positively portray the child's race, adoptive families help promote a strong and positive self-esteem for the child and also develop awareness of racial issues for the whole family.
Though life as a transracial adoptive family can sometimes be hard, there are just as many positives that arise from it. A culturally rewarding experience awaits if you and your family seek out opportunities to embrace your diversity.
