Author Archives: Shoshanna Grey

Adopting Without Infertility

Do you have to be infertile to adopt? That seems to be the opinion of the general public. When people find out that we’re adopting, the first question they usually ask is, “Can’t you get pregnant?” Most people assume that if you are adopting it is because you can’t conceive. However, more and more people are adopting for reasons other than infertility. Now, those who adopt come from every situation imaginable. There are parents who have a few children and for whatever reason have decided not to pursue another pregnancy. There are those who decide to adopt as a ministry. … Continue reading →

Adopting After Infertility

One of the most common reasons that people begin looking into adoption is because of infertility. These individuals may have gone through many months or years of fertility treatments and still not realized their dream of conceiving a child. Often these people who often begin to ask questions about adoption. If you are coming out of a struggle with infertility and plan to begin an adoption, it is important that you keep a few things in mind: Do You Want Parenting or a Pregnancy? While there are those who will continue trying to conceive no matter what, there are others … Continue reading →

Preparing to Parent Kids of a Different Race

For those of you who don’t know, my husband and I are about to bring home two children from two different continents. Our son is from Central America. He has medium brown skin, dark hair and dark eyes. Our daughter is from Africa. Her skin is a deeper brown and her eyes and hair are also dark. My husband, Scott, and I, on the other hand, are distinctly Caucasian. We both have light brown hair, light eyes and pale skin. Obviously, we aren’t exactly going to match our children when they come home. To Scott and I race doesn’t matter … Continue reading →

AdoptUSKids.org

There are thousands of children waiting for homes all over the world. As Americans, often the children that most quickly pull at our hearts are the children here in the United States who don’t have a family to call their own. In an effort to help spread the word about these children, there are photolistings set up that strive to put a face and a name to all of these children who wait. One of the largest photolistings for state adoptions is AdoptUSKids.org. This website provides a way to search all over the country for a child to join your … Continue reading →

“Collecting” Children?

While most adoptive parents choose to adopt just a few children and stay at what is considered a “normal” family size, there are those families that continue to adopt children and end up growing very large. I know one family that has 13 children and they are currently adopting two more. I know another family that has 19 children and they are open to adopting more if God places a certain child on their heart. One thing that these large adoptive families hear a lot is the accusation that they are “collecting” children. I’ve heard this in a several different … Continue reading →

Should African Americans Only Adopt African American Children?

Last month I was watching with interest a debate that was going on Adoption.com The question was raised, “Should African Americans only adopt African American children because of the need for homes for African American children?” This is an interesting discussion and I thought it would be an interesting one to continue here. Do African Americans (hereafter I will us the abbreviation AA) have a responsibility to adopt children of their own race? It is a known fact that adoption agencies and social workers have trouble placing AA children. Even parents who decide to adopt transracially may avoid adopting an … Continue reading →

How To Approach Friends With Your Business

When you are getting a business started, one of the first things you have to do is find customers. Naturally, your gaze will probably quickly travel to your friends and family. They’re convenient and they have to listen – they like you, right? However, we have all had people come after us with their new business, trying to get us to buy something. I don’t know about you, but I usually try to the run the other way when that happens. Unfortunately overzealous home business builders have made it difficult to approach friends and family with your business venture. Don’t … Continue reading →

Top Five Web Resources for Adoptive Parents

With the wealth of information available on the internet, it can be hard to tell what resources are good and which should be avoided. Here is a top five list of what I think is “the best of the web” for adoptive parents. 1. Adoption.com This is a huge website with information on all things adoption. It is a great starting point for beginners and a great resource for those in every stage of the process. There are forums for adopted people, birth parents and for adoptive parents. You also can find information on adopting from specific countries, through the … Continue reading →

Amway

Basic Concept of Business Amway is a well known company that you have probably heard about. They sell home products, cosmetics and nutritional products. This is a long running, established company with a proven track record. Amway claims that their business plan is low-risk and flexible to meet the needs of people in different life situations. Amway offers the chance to work the hours you want while being a part of a large and proven company. Company Facts “Amway” is short for “American Way”. It is a multibillion dollar international business that has been in existence for 45 years. They … Continue reading →

Etiquette on an Adoption Forum

If you decide to participate in an adoption forum, whether it be a large one like Adoption.com or simply the smaller one here at Families.com, it is important that you be aware of the etiquette for the forums. You may ask why etiquette is important on an adoption forum. Well, it’s because members of all three parts of the adoption triad are usually participating. In any given thread there may be responses from an adoptive parent, a birth parent or an adopted person. Because of this, it is important that you keep a few specific rules in mind in order … Continue reading →