We adore our family and cannot picture it any other way. We did not set out to adopt transracially but that's the way it worked out. Our differences are not discussed on a daily basis but we do have honest talks about skin and hair and eyes and diversity in general because color does matter. It does. It always will. Anyone who says it doesn't is lying to themselves.
When we sit and admire our children, as we do everyday, we do not see 3 black children. We see 3 children that all belong to us. We just see our family. But when we leave our house and go out into the world, we know that's not what the world sees.
A friend passed along an article to us on transracial adoption and we have implemented each of the following in one way or another in an attempt to help our children the only way we know how:
* Have Black friends, adults as well as children. Also other interracial adoptive families.
* Realize that in matters of race and culture you will learn the most about parenting your child from Black parents and other cultural guides.
* Attend integrated schools. Volunteer in your child’s classroom. Become known throughout the school. Your family becomes “normalized” the more people are used to you.
* Live in an integrated community. Stay in one community so that your child and you don’t have to keep starting over. Important: Be prepared to move if it means a more affirming environment for your child.
* Use Black professional and other services. Find Black baby sitters and other family helpers.
* Learn how to take good care of your child’s skin and hair.
* Have Black literature, children’s books, periodicals, toys, games, artwork in your home. Learn and share with your children Black history and important current and cultural events.
* Participate in Black activities in your community (church, community centers, fairs, celebrations). Visit big cities with large African-American populations, museums, theater.
* Be clear with yourself and your child as to her/his racial identity. Your child is Black or African-American whether or not s/he has one white parent or relative. (“Biracial” is a notion of importance to adoptive parents and social workers more than anyone else, and ambivalence–yours or your child’s–will not foster positive self-esteem.) You and your child are minorities. You are forever a minority family.
* Be active in social change groups/issues, e.g. affirmative action (teachers, police, firefighters, etc.). Be prepared to–and do–intervene or speak up when wrongs occur.
* Remember, your advocacy is not only for your own child but also for all children and people of color as well as other oppressed groups. What happens to any Black kid in your school or community happens to your kid.
* Be an anti-racist racist. Understand why we are racists as long as we benefit from a racist system. Talk about racism. Let your child know through your words and your actions that you are part of the struggle.
* Ask for help, and keep learning! Read, talk to people, and be alert to anything that will help you better affirm your child, support her/his development, and become a better anti-racist. Teach what you learn, by example and by sharing what you know with others.
* Find ways for your child to learn and understand that s/he is part of the Black community. Accept and understand that not all of her/his activities will–or ought to–include you.
* Always know whose side you’re on. Do not tolerate racist acts or statements. The hurt and damage are just as great even if the acts or statements are based on ignorance or were not done maliciously.
* Learn how to choose your battles. You can’t do everything.
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