Before we became familiar with the entire adoption process and the appropriate language to use, we were also guilty of using some of the negative words too. I wanted to share with our family and friends the correct terms/words to use when speaking about adoption. If negative words are used it can be hurtful even if you don't intend it to be, so I wanted to share this list below. The one word that I've become very used to using now is "placed" instead of given away or given up.
Positive Language
Negative Language
Birthparent Real parent
Biological parent Natural parent
Birth child Own child
My child Adopted child; Own child
Born to unmarried parents Illegitimate
Terminate parental rights Give up
Make an adoption plan or place for adoption Give away
To parent To keep
Waiting child Adoptable child; available child
Biological or birthfather Real father
Making contact with Reunion
Parent Adoptive parent
Intercountry adoption Foreign adoption
Adoption triad Adoption triangle
Permission to sign a release Disclosure
Search Track down parents
Child placed for adoption An unwanted child
Court termination Child taken away
Child with special needs Handicapped child
Child from abroad Foreign child
Was adopted Is adopted
No comments:
Post a Comment