Did you catch the recent CreatingaFamily.org interview with Allison Davis Maxon, LMFT, about the 7 Core Issues in Adoption & Foster Care? In that conversation, she walked us through the common issues adopted and foster or kinship kids grapple with as they grow. She recently co-authored several practical workbooks to accompany her book, The Seven Core Issues in Adoption and Permanency.* Understanding these core issues common to the adoption and foster care experience can help parents and caregivers support their children in understanding their story and identity.

These workbooks are designed to help parents and caregivers implement strategies that support children in grappling with their stories and finding healing as they develop their identities. With her permission, we are sharing this excerpt from her workbook.

Ten Things Your Child Needs to Hear From You

In this interview, we were particularly struck by this powerful list of things our kids need to hear. This version is adapted from a tool in one of the workbooks* in the series. The original language is available when you click here to download and print.

Keep it handy for your reference. In addition, consider posting it where your kids can read and absorb it. These strategic statements can help you set (or re-set) the foundation for healthy communication about their adoption experience.

Helping Adopted & Foster Children Understand Their Story

Aren’t these fantastic? In conjunction with your attunement and connection, these affirmations are practical tools to support your adopted or foster child while they grapple with their story and developing identity. Talking through them can also build your young person’s resilience and coping skills.

We can’t recommend Allison Davis Maxon and Sharon Roszia’s series of books and workbooks highly enough. If you want to purchase the book and its partner workbooks, check out this link.*

P.S. Please consider leaving a review once you’ve read any of these books. Doing so raises awareness of this content and supports other families like yours!

Image Credits: RDNE Stock project

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