Transracial Adoption Success Story
Nicole Kidman:‘Somehow destiny comes into play. These children end up with you and you end up with them. It’s something quite magical.’
Since the beginning of humanity, adoption has emerged in a variety of forms. Through literature, music and real life experiences, humans have displayed the empathetic decision to do what’s best for their children. Whether voiced publicly or privately, all birth parents have the underlying respect to give their child better opportunities than the one they had before. For centuries, adoptees from all heritages and backgrounds have been relocated to live with distant family members, skilled craftsmen in order to gain a skill, or the families of close friends due to their desire to give their child a better life. Although families impacted by adoption are unquestionably diversified, those touched by transracial adoption are intrinsically impacted by racial divergence.
The adoption process can be intimidating and scary. Adoption Choices of Oklahoma is dedicated in helping you ease that fear by finding the best family for your child.
Our agency is proud to assist residents of Oklahoma from all backgrounds, races, sexes, genders and families. From Tulsa to the towns that border other states, we are easily accessible by phone, text, or email.
Transracial Adoption Success
In an eye opening article about transracial adoption, LQBTQ couple Nishta and Jill Merha share their story and newly-aware discoveries after adopting their son, Shiv. Jill is white, Nishta is Indian-American, and Shiv is black. Together, they create a medley of diverse cultures. As a transracial family, they have created a home founded by love, respect and honesty. Family is a different definition for everybody, but through these tips, Nishta and her partner found themselves better well equipped as a family, parent and a person.
Ignorance is not Bliss
America was founded on the principles of unalienable rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Depending on who you ask, these privileges are individually customized before you even have a chance to fend for yourself. As current events unfold, repeating the steps of history, it is absolutely essential for transracial families to have open discussions with their children about the ignorance discrimantion and racism. No matter the color of your skin or what gender you identify with, we all experience some form of narrow-minded prejudice.
Transracial families are culturally, socially and racially more aware than those of the same race. Patience, sympathy, and reacting through thought rather than emotion are vital components adoptive parents must possess in order to relate to their children. If these discussions and topics make you uncomfortable, then perhaps this area of adoption isn’t the right fit for you.
Power of Influence
If children were sea animals, they would be sponges. As their brains develop, children pick up the lingo, body language, reactions and vocabulary from their parents without even realizing it. The way you speak, what you wear, the books you read and even the tone you develop when frustrated all impact the development and personality of your child.
As a parent of transracial adoption, it should be your highest priority to educate your child about the history of their culture and other stories about transracial adoption. Books with characters that share their same skin tone, open discussions about diversity and creating safe spaces are wonderful ways to better impact your child. Don’t be afraid to lead by example!
Listen
Nothing is more frustrating than when people interrupt you when you’re speaking. It makes you feel as if they weren’t even listening in the first place. When it comes to the relationship between parents and their adopted child, parents should always be prepared to listen without judgement. No matter what the situation is, the way you react or respond becomes imprinted into your child’s mind.
Actively listen to your child’s concerns, no matter how little they may seem to you. Rumor has it that parents are supposed to be more wise, but they only gain that knowledge from the experience of life. Everyone’s life is different and transracial families fully heartedly understand that. Forcing your opinions does nothing beneficial for the progression of your family.
Adoption Choices of Oklahoma is a private adoption agency, licensed by the state of Oklahoma and leader in the adoption community. We have been assisting birth parents, children, and adoptive families in Oklahoma for over 19 years. Our staff members are committed to providing an ethical, empowering, and personalized adoption experience to all involved in the adoption process. If you are currently in the process of adopting a baby and have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us.
Meet the Author: Taylor Papadakis writes for organizations and movements she defines as incorruptible. Born in Texas and raised by wolves, she now resides in a town that refers to themselves as the Palm Springs of Washington. In 2019, Taylor graduated from Central Washington University (CWU) where she studied English, Creative Writing, and Philosophy. Once the treasurer for CWU’s Environmental Club, she assisted in initiating the sustainability garden project and happily educated students, staff and faculty members about the benefits of switching to metal instead of plastic silverware in the dining halls.
Taylor is a first-generation college graduate, former NAIA lacrosse leading scorer, and an avid believer that social media is melting away the youth of today. She actively advocates for social justice and equality, and describes protesting as “a Constitutional right we need to take advantage of because the stake of our future freedoms is incomprehensible.”
When she’s not writing, she’s most likely hiking, biking, sewing or making guacamole.
