10 Great Reads to Spark the Holiday Spirit

Children, Education, Family, Parenting - November 15, 2023

Reading is one of the great pleasures, especially during the holidays. With kids in holiday jammies, sometimes there’s nothing better than kicking back in your favorite spot at home with a celebrated book in hand. A Child’s Hope has a few names up our sleeves of favorites our families have shared throughout the years, add these to all the traditional titles. We know that representation matters, and love that Santa comes in many different colors. Snuggle up with your favorite books this year, and soak in the holiday spirit with family and friends.

About Author E. Parker Herring:
Parker Herring has a deep respect and understanding of family law and the adoption process, through which she adopted two of her children. She is the founder and director of A Child’s Hope, a North Carolina licensed adoption agency located in Raleigh that focuses on helping birth mothers and families looking to adopt and answer questions about adoption. A Child’s Hope has placed nearly 450 children since 2000 and is the only North Carolina domestic adoption agency directed by an attorney. Herring has practiced for more than 35 years in the Raleigh area. She is a member of the N.C. Bar Association, Wake County Bar Association, and N.C. Collaborative Lawyers.

Shining a Light on Adoption: Celebrating Adoption Awareness Month

Children, Comunity, Education, Family - families - November 7, 2023

November is a special month that shines a spotlight on a journey that forever changes lives – adoption. It’s a time when communities, adoption agencies, and families come together to celebrate Adoption Awareness Month. At A Child’s Hope, we are deeply committed to supporting and promoting the beautiful and loving process of adoption. In this Article, we explore the significance of Adoption Awareness Month, its impact on families, and the importance of advocating for the welfare of babies in need of loving families.

Understanding Adoption Awareness Month

Adoption Awareness Month, also known as National Adoption Month, has been celebrated since 1976. Its primary aim is to raise awareness about the urgent need for adoptive families for children waiting in the foster care system, but it also serves to honor all forms of adoption and the incredible journeys it entails. Many of the children placed through the agency were at risk for Department of Social Services intervention as they grew older were they not placed for adoption.

The Heart of Adoption: Building Families

Adoption is an extraordinary journey of love, hope, and resilience. For birth parents, it may involve making a deeply emotional and selfless decision to provide a secure and loving home for their child. For adoptive families, it’s the fulfillment of a dream to nurture and raise a child, making the child an integral part of their family.

Supporting Birth Parents and Adoptive Families

At A Child’s Hope, we recognize that the path to adoption is a unique and often emotional journey for birth parents and adoptive families. We are dedicated to offering guidance, support, and expert assistance to help all parties involved make the best decisions for themselves and their children.

The Miracle of Family through Adoption

Adoption creates families that defy cultural, racial, and geographical boundaries. It underscores the belief that family is built on love and acceptance, regardless of differences. Adoptive families come in all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds, beautifully reflecting a diverse society.

Myths Debunked: The Truth about Adoption

Let’s dispel some common myths about adoption:

Adoption is not a second-best choice: It’s a deliberate, wonderful way to grow a family.
Adoption isn’t just for couples facing infertility: It’s open to anyone with the capacity to provide love, care, and stability to a child.
Adoption isn’t a one-time event: It’s an ongoing journey filled with joy, challenges, and personal growth.

The Importance of Open Adoption

Open adoption, a concept gaining popularity, emphasizes maintaining varying degrees of contact and communication between birth parents, adoptive families, and adopted children. This approach fosters trust, understanding, and a strong sense of identity for the child. Children placed in open adoption do not have to fervently search for their biological parents as they grow older because the birth family and the adoptive family have been in touch since the beginning.

Get Involved: Make a Difference

Adoption Awareness Month is not only about celebrating adoption but also about making a tangible difference in the lives of children in need of loving homes. You can:

Become an Advocate: Raise awareness about adoption in your community.
Consider Adoption: If you’ve ever thought about adoption, now might be the perfect time to explore this journey. Learn more about A Child’s Hope, click here.
Support Birth Parents: Empower and support birth parents in their courageous choices.

Adoption Awareness Month is an opportunity to honor the remarkable journey of adoption and the extraordinary families it creates. It’s a time to dispel myths, raise awareness, and encourage more families to open their hearts to the gift of family through adoption. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and parents, ensuring that every child finds a loving and nurturing forever home.

Citations and References:

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Month: Supporting Mothers and Families on Their Healing Journey

Children, Comunity, Education, Family - families - October 27, 2023

October marks Pregnancy and Infant Loss Month, a solemn time to recognize mothers who have experienced the profound loss of a pregnancy or an infant. The grief associated with such losses are immeasurable, and it is important to extend support and empathy. What are ways we can offer meaningful support to mothers and families who have endured the heartbreak of losing their babies.

Understanding the Grief of Pregnancy and Infant Loss

Pregnancy and infant loss encompass a range of experiences, including miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, and infant loss due to various health complications. Each of these losses brings its own unique challenges and complexities. Grieving mothers may go through a rollercoaster of emotions, from sadness and guilt to anger and isolation. Acknowledging and respecting these feelings is the first step in providing meaningful support.

Resources in NC for Pregnancy and Infant Loss

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Month Matters

Recognizing this month helps create a safe and open space for mothers to share their stories, connect with others who have gone through similar losses, and educate the broader community about the importance of sensitivity and empathy in such difficult circumstances.

Ways to Extend Support to Grieving Mothers

Listen Actively: Sometimes, the most powerful support is the gift of a listening ear. Encourage grieving mothers to share their thoughts and emotions without judgment or interruption. Being present and allowing those to express their feelings can be profoundly comforting.

Choose Words Carefully: Be mindful of your choice of words when interacting with a grieving mother. Avoid clichés or statements that might unintentionally trivialize her pain. Instead, offer words of sympathy and comfort, such as “I’m here for you” and “I’m so sorry for your loss.”

Remember Significant Dates: Mark important dates like the due date or the anniversary of the loss and reach out to the mother on those days. A simple message or a thoughtful gesture can provide solace during these particularly challenging times.

Respect Their Healing Process: Grief is a highly individualized journey, and there is no set timetable for healing. Understand that the grieving process can be prolonged and that emotions may resurface unexpectedly. Offer ongoing support, even as time passes.

Connect to Resources: Inform mothers about available resources such as support groups, therapists, and online communities dedicated to helping parents who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss. Professional help can provide valuable assistance in the healing process.

Assist with Practical Matters: Offer help with everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, or childcare to alleviate some of the burdens that grieving mothers may face. Acts of kindness can go a long way in showing your support.

Create a Memorial: Encourage mothers to create a tangible memorial for their baby, whether it’s a special garden, a photo album, or a personalized keepsake. This can provide a meaningful way for them to honor their child’s memory.

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Month remind us of the significance of supporting grieving mothers and families as they navigate the challenging journey of loss. By offering empathy, compassion, and practical assistance, we can help these mothers heal and honor the memory of their beloved babies. Let us embrace this month as an opportunity to raise awareness, promote understanding, and extend a helping hand to those who need it most, citing valuable resources along the way.

Sources:

https://www.tcf.org.uk/resources/LP02Helping-Bereaved-Parents-C12-R1601.pdf

https://americanpregnancy.org/

https://stillstandingmag.com/category/dealing-with-others-in-grief/supporting-a-friend-after-loss/

https://nationalshare.org

https://www.marchofdimes.org/

https://ideas.hallmark.com/articles/baby-ideas/what-to-say-when-a-friend-loses-a-baby-messages-of-love-and-support/

https://pregnancyafterlosssupport.org

Baby Safety Month: Top Tips for Ensuring Infant Safety

Children, Comunity, Education, Family - families - September 29, 2023

September is Baby Safety Month! We will explore 4 tips for keeping your baby safe.

1. Safe Sleep Practices

Creating a safe sleep environment is fundamental for your infant’s safety. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the following guidelines for safe sleep:

Alone: Always place your baby in their crib, bassinet, or portable crib alone, with no pillows, blankets, or toys.
Back: Lay your baby on their back for all sleep times to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Crib: Ensure your baby’s sleep space meets safety standards, including a firm and flat mattress.

2. Childproof Your Home

Childproofing your home is essential as your baby grows more mobile. Watch for broken toys, make sure the pieces are larger in size. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers a comprehensive guide to childproofing your home, covering topics like preventing falls, securing furniture, and keeping hazardous items out of reach. Preventing your baby from choking on small objects is at the top of the list. And, remember soft snacks only that are easy to swallow.

3. Car Seat Safety and Baby Gates

Proper car seat use is non-negotiable for infant safety during travel. Look up resources in your local community for help if you have questions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides guidelines on selecting and installing the right car seat and keeping your child rear-facing for as long as recommended. As your baby begins to crawl, Baby gates can be heavily employed to keep babies away from the many things that pose hazards to them – drawers with sharp objects, rooms with open electrical sockets, pools, and more.

4. Regular Check ups

Don’t forget regular pediatric check-ups are essential for your baby’s well-being. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a schedule of well-child visits to monitor your baby’s growth and development.

Baby Safety Month is a time to recommit ourselves to the safety and well-being of our infants. Whether you are adopting a newborn or welcoming a baby into your family by birth, these safety tips are crucial to a secure environment. Prioritizing safety allows you to fully enjoy the joys of parenthood while giving your child the best possible start in life.

Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month

Comunity, Family - families - August 29, 2023

It is a great time to learn more about the diversity of Hispanic and Latina/e/o/x experiences and cultures. In 2020, the U.S. Hispanic population was an estimated 62 million out of the total U.S. population of 331.4 million.

When Is Hispanic Heritage Month observed?

Hispanic Heritage Month is observed every year for a month from September 15 to October 15.
September 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of the independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. All declared independence in 1821.

In addition, Mexico, Chile, and Belize celebrate their independence days on September 16, September 18, and September 21, respectively. Hispanic Heritage Month was established through legislation in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson and was later expanded when the 30-day period was implemented in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan.

Some Hispanic Heritage Facts!

The term Hispanic or Latino, as defined by the U.S. census bureau refers to Puerto Rican, south or central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race.

Oscar Hijuelos, author of the “the mambo kings play songs of love” was the first Hispanic writer to win a Pulitzer prize for fiction.
Dr. Ellen Ochoa was the first Hispanic woman astronaut to go to space. Tom Fears was the first Hispanic Football Hall of Fame Inductee.

What’s the Difference Between Hispanic and Latino, Latin, or Latinx?

Language is ever-evolving and the term Hispanic is used to describe many groups of people. That being said, here’s a breakdown of individual preferences to consider:

Hispanic is defined as relating to Spain, or Spanish-speaking countries. The word was first widely popularized through its use in the U.S. Census of 1970. It typically classifies people based on language.

Latino refers to the geographical location of a person’s country of origin or their ancestors, typically with cultural ties to Latin America.

Latinx and Latin are gender-neutral forms of the word Latino or Latina.

Celebrating Black History Month with Kids

Children, Comunity, Education, Family, Parenting - February 1, 2023

Each February, National Black History Month serves as both a celebration and a powerful reminder that Black history is American history, Black culture is American culture, and Black stories are essential to the ongoing story of America — our faults, our struggles, our progress, and our aspirations.

Parents.com offers resources to talk to kids about the history of people of African descent and pay tribute to the many achievements of Black individuals.

There are a wide variety of books available by age on Amazon.

Read the Full Article at: Parents.com

November is National Adoption Awareness Month

Comunity, Family - October 24, 2022

What is National Adoption Month?

National Adoption Month is a month to encourage others to learn about adoption and to acknowledge the people whose lives have been impacted by adoption. The mission of National Adoption Month is to celebrate the families who have grown through adoption, and to recognize the many children who are still waiting for forever families.

Why do we celebrate National Adoption Month?

Overall, we celebrate National Adoption Month to shine a national spotlight light on adoption. More
specifically, we celebrate to:

Honor families that have grown through adoption.
Recognize the hundreds of thousands of children waiting in foster care.
Spread awareness of adoption.
Advocate for the wellbeing and future of children in foster care.

When did National Adoption Month start?

Every year, more and more children require secure and safe families. National Adoption Month draws
light on the adoption process and its positive effects.

In 1976, Massachusetts was the first state to promote adoption-related actions. Governor Mike Dukakis declared the first week of November “Adoption Week” to raise awareness of the need for adoptive homes for foster children. The concept gradually gained traction and extended across the country. Following this, President Gerald R. Ford declared adoption week a national holiday in 1984. As the week’s popularity expanded, more states began to participate, and it became challenging to fit all of the events into seven days. This was the year that President Bill Clinton expanded the week-long event into a month-long celebration known as National Adoption Month, which is now observed worldwide.

National Adoption Month is a time for everyone to celebrate adoption: individuals, families, businesses, organizations, communities, states, and the government. Adoption is promoted as a beneficial strategy
to strengthen families and keep children out of foster care. To commemorate this month, many fundraising drives, appreciation banquets, community activities, and awareness initiatives are held
around the country.

National Adoption Month concludes on November 20 with National Adoption Day. This day is honored
in courthouses around the country, where thousands of adoptions are finalized on the Saturday
following it. On this day, courts are encouraged to deal with the backlog of adoptions. On November 9,
World Adoption Day is observed as a day of global awareness for this essential topic.

Paying it Forward for Others

Adoption, Children, Family, Parenting - October 12, 2022

Twenty-one-year-old Allyson Perry is a senior at North Carolina State University where she is studying to become a social worker. Far beyond her years, she is passionate about working with kids in foster care or perhaps starting a career counseling kids and young adults who are members of the adoption triad. You see, Allyson is the first Hispanic child to be adopted through A Child’s Hope, and she certainly realizes her adoption story opens an important, relatable dialogue with families.

A last-minute call from the agency is where this story starts back on Easter weekend 2000. Her parents, Brian and Karen Perry received a call about a newborn Hispanic girl at the hospital needing a home. The couple quickly left the beach where they were spending the holiday weekend to begin their journey to become parents without much information. As the couple arrived, the birthmother was waiting at the hospital with her baby girl. At that time, there was no Spanish-speaking hospital liaison to help with communication. It was challenging during such an emotional time.

“I will never forget the look on her mother’s face when we dressed baby Allyson on the bed and left the room with her,” said Karen Perry, who is an OBGYN nurse at a major medical center. Placing a baby for adoption in 2000 for the most part meant a closed adoption. Open adoption was not common then, and information such as phone numbers and addresses were not exchanged. Thinking back, cell service and Wi-Fi were not always available in public places.

A few years later, Allyson became a big sister when her brother Clayton was adopted, also through A Child’s Hope. He is now a high school senior.

“I feel so thankful to have the parents I do,” shared Allyson, who still wonders about her birth parents. I want to be there for others who may be struggling with similar questions or with their family life in general. It’s a natural progression for me.”

Every Child Deserves a Chance

Adoption, Children, Family - March 5, 2022

By E. Parker Herring

Three-year-old Hudson had a blast in school today. A bit of a miracle if you know his story. As the agency director, I am proud to share this family’s strength.

After a normal pregnancy, full term and weighing in at 7 pounds and 11 ounces, Hudson’s difficulties began right after birth. Born on June 21, 2013, he immediately had trouble eating. Hudson was in the NICU for a total of 67 days as a newborn. He survived kidney and heart failure, had heart and GI surgery, and endured numerous procedures.

Hudson’s mother discussed her situation with her hair stylist. Subsequently, the stylist introduced her to another client, Marcy.

Marcy and her husband, Philip, have one child, Tyler, now 12. Since Tyler’s birth, Marcy had not been able to conceive again. She struggled with several miscarriages, and years of infertility. With the assistance of Parker Herring, on April 23, 2014, Hudson became the second child of Marcy and Phillip, and Tyler’s little brother.

Marcy, Phillip and Tyler’s journey with Hudson has been difficult at times, but he has been a joy. Hudson will be four this June. There have been many long days and times when his parents and his big brother did not think he would survive. But Hudson defies the odds. He works hard every day at physical, speech and occupational therapy. He also has feeding therapy, and his parents still take him to UNC for GI and ENT exams.

At one point, physicians told Marcy and Phillip that Hudson would, most likely, never walk, talk or even hear speech. Nevertheless, today Hudson is walking. He can hear and understand what is said to him. Albeit slow, he is developing verbal skills. Hudson is a loving, sweet child. The journey has been difficult at times. Marcy says what is most special about Hudson is his personality.

There are many ways to show a child that you love and care for him/her as they grow. Sometimes it means admitting you need help. For Hudson, that help came in the form of an adoptive family.

Marcy, Phillip and Tyler are not the only family willing and able to care for a child with special needs. If you need help, reach out for the help you need. If you know someone in need or want additional information, contact A Child’s Hope at (877) 890-4673

Learn more about adopting a child with special needs.

Parker Herring is a Board-Certified Family Law Attorney and Director of the NC-based adoption agency, A Childs Hope. In this blog, she shares a powerful story about how a special child can be the greatest blessing.

A mother of three children, E. Parker Herring has a deep respect and understanding of family law and the adoption process (for which she’s adopted two children of her own). She is the founder and director of A Child’s Hope, a North Carolina licensed adoption agency located in Raleigh that focuses on helping birthmothers and families looking to adopt. A Child’s Hope has placed 450 children since 2000, and is the only North Carolina domestic adoption agency directed by an attorney. Herring is a Board-Certified Family Law Specialist who has practiced family law for nearly 30 years in the Raleigh area. She’s a member of the NC Bar Association, the Wake County Bar Association, and the NC Collaborative Lawyers.

When a Child Needs a Home

Adoption, Children, Family - February 28, 2022

By E. Parker Herring

Older children placed in forever homes in an open adoption.

All mothers who make the difficult decision to place a newborn child for adoption should be praised and supported for their selfless decision to do what is best for their children. From both parenting experience and circumstances, the same holds true of women who have concluded that what is best for the child is to place with a family who can better provide for their child’s physical and emotional needs.

Time and time again, we have seen women place older children for adoption and the outcome is positive. Many of them have cared for the child for months or years trying to hold on in situations that are dire.

Take for example 28-year-old Maria who came to the U.S. from Mexico. She had a toddler and learned soon after arrival she was pregnant again. She had lived in poverty with a relative in a rural area. She had no transportation and rarely left the place she was living. She started considering adoption right after she gave birth, and ultimately placed her daughter when she was nine months old.

Her daughter is thriving, and she has toys and books and clothes— things her mother struggled to provide. The child now has the love of two mothers and a father, and you can feel how much they all love each other. Birthmother Maria has an open adoption and receives pictures from the adoptive parents.

The story is similar for a 16-month-old placed for adoption by her parents also through Raleigh’s A Childs Hope. This young couple struggled to care for their daughter for the first year of her life. They were married, but homeless and jobless. DSS was involved as they were not able to secure housing. “We knew it was just a matter of time before she was taken from us,” her biological father said. “We wanted what was best for her and to choose the family she would be raised by.”

After careful consideration, the young parents placed their daughter in an open adoption with a loving couple who had struggled to have a family. The little girl transitioned over time to her new home.

“She walked into our lives almost seamlessly,” said her adoptive mother. “She is a loving and independent little girl who knows all about her adoption story and talks openly about it.”

A Child’s Hope focuses on newborn placements, but sometimes sees older children like the ones shared. Parents place them because they cannot fully provide the life they wanted for their child and make the difficult decision to place the child for adoption. We know how challenging these placements are for the birth parents. These adoptions are almost always open adoptions so that the birth parents can stay in touch over the years.

The agency also has placed a six-month-old boy. His mother was not in a relationship with the biological father and was entering the military. He joined a family that already had two little girls. “He was immediately welcomed by his sisters,” said his adoptive father. “We can’t imagine our family without him.”

The next story is about Christian, a two-year-old. His mother contacted A Child’s Hope explaining she could no longer care for him and was suffering from ongoing loss and pain. The biological father lived in Mexico, and Christian had a twin that died at birth.

In her grief, the birth mother was not able to bond with Christian. In this case, one of the waiting couples had previously adopted a Hispanic boy, now 16-years-old. Upon the introduction, both boys started bonding almost immediately, and today continue to be close.

“They do everything together, whether its fishing or biking or playing in the water,” said their mom. “We know that these boys have each other for life.”

Many families contact us wanting to know, “How do I adopt a child in North Carolina?” While A Child’s Hope focuses primarily on domestic infant adoption, we have placed older children through our agency as in the cases we talked about. We help birth mothers make adoption plans for their infants, toddlers, and children as old as 8-years-old.

If you are interested in learning more, click here.

Pregnancy Hotline: call or text (919) 971-4396

Want to Adopt a Child? Call (919) 839-8800

Family

10 Great Reads to Spark the Holiday Spirit

Shining a Light on Adoption: Celebrating Adoption Awareness Month

Adoption is not a second-best choice: It’s a deliberate, wonderful way to grow a family.

Adoption isn’t just for couples facing infertility: It’s open to anyone with the capacity to provide love, care, and stability to a child.

Adoption isn’t a one-time event: It’s an ongoing journey filled with joy, challenges, and personal growth.