Thread: Adopting an Orphan

It depends on the situation. As somebody who had a guardian and no biological parents really in the picture, I don't think it's something to be afraid of. Trying to ignore the issue or brush it out of the way makes it sound like there is something wrong with it. I don't think adoption should be a secret, because there is nothing wrong with it.

I know a couple who adopted a child. They wasted no time in telling the child about the truth. When the child was growing, they gradually introduced him to the concept of adoption and to the fact that he had a different set of biological parents. The child was well-loved and I believe he didn't have any reason to feel resentment towards his adoptive parents.

I think there is nothing wrong with adopting a child from another culture. I do think that the adopted parents should be truthful with the child and expose him or her to their native culture.

The truth is always the first option. Like the others, I would not keep it a secret. When questions arise, all I would say is that your parent or parents loved you enough to make sure you had the best life possible. The way they did that was to allow me/us to adopt you. That's all that would be necessary.

There are some great ways to adopt a child who was born into another culture and still have him or her introduced to that culture. Avoiding questions about adoption is more harmful than answering honestly, in my opinion. Trying to hide it like it's a bad thing can create some serious problems later on down the road.

I don't think this is a teacher's responsibility - it's the parents. All you can do it make them feel comfortable, welcome and "at home" in the classroom.

I agree with Homework, as a teacher you really can not meddle in a students life. I believe that you should tell the child early on that they are adopted. If you wait until the kid starts asking questions, you are likely to be resented by the child for not telling them sooner.

I've taught a number of children who were adopted by loving, caring parents from overseas. I taught these students when they were in high school, and they were some of the most well adjusted students I've had. They loved their American families, and they loved their heritage, too. Many went on to college and are productive members of society. I say it's a grand thing.