In this module, we will delve into the analysis of adoptive families to better understand their dynamics as well as certain actions that promote positive and successful relationships among their members.
There are many similarities between adoptive and biological families. However, some traits are specific to adoption and become additional challenges for adoptive families. Adoptive parents should know and understand these challenges adequately and develop strategies to address them in a positive and satisfactory manner. In this way, they will be able to help the children accept their adoptive status, and also, facilitate family integration and stability.
This module offers the opportunity to analyze the dynamics of adoptive families, to highlight some aspects that, if not resolved well, can affect their stability. Thus, guidance and strategies are offered to help address the challenges successfully.
The module is organized in two sessions. Each one presents different activities that you will be able to carry out at your own pace, according to your time availability. Some of them are expository, others encourage personal reflection, and most of them combine both formats. However, it is advisable to follow the order of presentation of the activities, because some of them are related.
The topics covered in the module are as follows:
Session 1: "Looking together at some challenges of adoptive parenting: gaining knowledge and confidence!” This session discusses how cognitive development changes children’s understanding of their adoptive status. We then reflect on how this change affects the development of adoptive children of their personal identity, or the curiosity they show about their past. In addition, guidance is provided on how parents should act so that their children develop a positive view of their adoptive status. It also reviews issues such as attachment formation in adoptive families, and how to positively and effectively play the parental educational role.
Session 2: "Strengthening my adoptive family through other contexts." This session reflects on the presence and influence of different social contexts in the dynamics of adoptive families, and in particular, in the adaptation of adopted children. Thus, the possible relationships with the extended family, the school context and that of family of origin are analyzed. In addition, some social myths faced by adoptive families are reviewed. All topics are accompanied by guidance on how to act to develop the strengths of adoptive families.
Data extracted from the article published by La Vanguardia, on November 6, 2016, by Elianne Ros, from an interview with Ana Berástegui. (See news)
2Data extracted from the text entitled Biological family and adoptive family, same or different? Family and Adoption Institute, 2017. (See news)
3Data extracted from an article published by La Vanguardia, November 6, 2016, by Elianne Ros, from the interview with Eva Gispert. (See news)
4Data extracted from the article published by El Pais, on May 29, 2017, by Juan Cruz, from an interview with Yolanda Guerrero. (See news)
1.
Promote greater awareness among participants about some challenges that are specific to adoptive families.
2.
Encourage participants to reflect on how they affect the cognitive development of adopted children to understand their adoptive status and, consequently, the emotional and behavioural manifestations they may show throughout their development.
3.
To know the influence of other social contexts in family dynamics and in the adaptation of adopted children.
4.
Facilitate positive ways of acting that help the participants to face certain challenges that could be found in their daily lives, in order to promote family dynamics that are more satisfactory for everyone.
5.
Encourage exchanges between participants of experiences, emotions and positive ways of resolving any difficulties that may arise after adoption.
The module is aimed, especially, at adults, men and women, who live in an adoptive family structure, in any of its modalities. Most of the proposed activities can also be useful for those who have an upcoming project to form an adoptive family. In addition, although some activities may not respond to the personal situation, due to the heterogeneity of situations and family structures, they may serve to better understand possible experiences that may occur in the future.
