Pam Connell's comments

Mentor Family?

06 Apr 2011 10:16 PM

Our state had, and may still have, a "respite" program where foster kids spent one weekend a month with another family. I assume this was to give the fulltime foster parents time to relax, nurture their marriage, deal with other relatives or children.

One social worker said that often this "once-a-month" family developed a sort of "cousins" relationship with the foster child that remained a constant in the child's life as they moved through multiple foster homes. You could ask if your state has something like this.

I realize your situation is slightly different in that there is a possilbility of adopting the child you'd be "mentoring". One thing I would consider is how it might impact your other children to have a child placement that doesn't work out.

I think it's great that you are willing to help older kids, though. Thanks for caring!

Sheryl Crow Welcomes her Second Baby through Adoption

07 Jun 2010 11:19 AM

Not so much preferential treatment from the adoption agency, but it's quite possible a birthmother chose Crow quickly because she was impressed by the fame and money.

I don't believe I've read if it was even an adoption through an agency. In many states lawyers can handle adoptions when a birthmother designates the adoptive parent. Sometimes the lawyers are the intermediary by which birthparents and adopters find each other.

If it was through an agency, Crow presumably had to have her physician sign off that she didn't have a condition likely to render her incapable of caring for a child. Many agencies also require a plan for child care, and many ask for some of the references to be the propsective grandparents or extended family members.

However, agencies in the U.S. are not allowed to discriminate because of age, as long as the "ability to care for a child" criterion is met. Many foreign countries do have upper age limits for adoptive parents.

Methamphetamine Exposure in Babies

27 Feb 2010 03:45 PM

Achtung--thank you for your contribution. The personal/family experience is very valuable.

A magazine called ADDitude covers ADD/ADHD --both medication, dealing with side effects, and behavioral approaches and product reviews.

The Special Needs blogs here at Families.com ("found under the "Parenting" heading) has articles on ADHD. One blogger has also written about a daughter with Bipolar Disorder.

Combatting Stereotypes in Children, Part One

24 Jan 2010 11:01 PM

Last year when we were watching "Jungle Book", I'm pretty sure I heard the song lyric "you flat-nosed..." As the mom of Asian kids I definitely pricked up my ears. My husband, though, pointed out that they were referring to monkey, and that monkeys do have flat noses..but I still didn't like it.

Thanks for writing--I'd love to hear more about what you find.

Are You A Member of the Mad Moms Club?

27 Dec 2009 03:14 AM

I read a quote once that said, "Before I had children, I honestly believed that I was a nice person." Sibling arguments about things of such importance as who gets to blow out the prayer candle are my current downfall...

Combatting Stereotypes in Children, Part Two

27 Nov 2009 11:03 PM

Thanks for sharing this with our readers! I feel so much luckier than adoptive parents in previous generations in that these resources are available and the internet helps us know about them.

Star's Death Occasions a Reminder of When and How to Mention Adoption

24 Oct 2009 11:07 PM

Thanks for sharing this experience.

When I hurt my wrist a relative was helping me fill out some forms for my daughter. When we came to the blank "relationship to patient" he asked me if I had to write "adoptive mother" or if it was really all right to just write "mother"!

Confessions of a Foodie Mom: Food as Atmosphere?

23 Oct 2009 12:41 AM

Thanks for your encouragement Sunny and thanks for writing!

Methamphetamine Exposure in Babies

22 Oct 2009 07:47 PM

AL--it's so good to hear of the hopeful things happening for you and your family. Thanks for the update!

Confessions of a Foodie Mom, Week Three

16 Sep 2009 04:40 PM

Thanks so much for your feedback and ideas, LoseBelly! It helps to know people who've succeeded!

We have some food allergies that rule out almonds, unfortunately, but I've been trying to add more fiber--and I do like oatmeal, so I'll remember the tip about the cinnamon.

I'd love to hear more of your story sometime!