Power Of Words

As an adoptive couple we've had to learn all sorts of new things in a short amount of time including a whole vocabulary list.  While we're doing pretty well, we can still catch ourselves using outdated (and sometimes even hurtful) words and phrases pertaining to adoption.

I came across this magazine article and felt like this was something that I needed to share. You can see the subtle nuances between these words and recognize why they would elicit different responses from the listener. English class, anyone?



Rather than.....                                              We suggest.......

Real parent                                                                          Birthparent, Birthmother, Birthfather

Natural parent                                                                     Biological parent


Unwed mother                                                                    Single parent


Unwanted pregnancy                                                        Unplanned or unintended pregnancy


Put up for adoption                                                           Make an adoption plan

Give up for adoption                                                        Choose adoption


Keep a child                                                                       Parent a child


Real child                                                                           Birthchild


Healthy child                                                                    Child without identified disabilities or special needs


HIVchild                                                                            Child living with HIV


Child with special needs                                                Child with physical, emotional or developmental             
                                                                                                                                                                disabilities 


Foreign adoption                                                             International adoption


Foreign child                                                                   Child born overseas


"Gotcha Day"                                                                   Family Day or Adoption Day


Find parents                                                                     Search for birthparents


Post-adoption depressions syndrome (PADS)           Depression after adoption