The way we talk and the words we choose say a lot about what we think and value. When we use positive adoption language, we say that adoption is a way to build a family just as birth is. Both are important, but one is not more important than the other. Choosing the following positive adoption language instead of the negative talk that helps perpetuate the myth that adoption is second best. By using positive adoption language, you will reflect the true nature of adoption, free of innuendo.
Positive Language-------------------Negative Language
Birth parent---------------------------- Real parent
Biological parent------------------------Natural parent
Birth child------------------------------Own child
My child--------------------------------Adopted child
Born to unmarried parents--------------Illegitimate
Terminated parental rights-------------Given up
Make an adoption plan------------------Give away
To parent-------------------------------To keep
Waiting child----------------------------Adoptable child
Biological or birthfather-----------------Real father
Making contact with--------------------Reunion
Parent----------------------------------Adoption parent
Intercountry adoption------------------Foreign adoption
Adoption triad--------------------------Adoption triangle
Permission to sign a release-------------Disclosure
Search----------------------------------Track down parents
Child place for adoption-----------------An unwanted child
Court termination----------------------Child taken away
Child with special needs----------------Handicapped child
Child from abroad----------------------Foreign child
Was adopted---------------------------Is adopted
*From Adoptive Family Magazine*
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