Ep 22: Adoptive Hearts: Exploring the Realities of Building Families through Adoption with Anna Maria

Parenting is Easy Podcast

## The Road to Adoption
The road to becoming a parent through adoption often starts from facing a harsh reality - the inability to conceive. This was the circumstance for Anna Maria DiDio, author of the book, "Love at the Border," which sheds light on her personal experiences behind the scenes of international adoption. Her journey to motherhood started from tackling the ups and downs of infertility treatments.
## An Instant Parent But a Gradual Bond
Becoming a parent happens instantaneously at the moment of finalizing an adoption. Yet, forming a connection and cultivating a bond with the adopted child is a process that takes time. For Anna Maria, the transition from being a mother of one to a mother of two was not instant. It took years and a process of understanding adoption through the lens of grief, loss, and trauma.
## Adoptive Parenting Amid Diverse Personalities
Dealing with diverse personalities within the same family is an integral part of parenting, let alone adoptive parenting. Anna Maria was blessed with two daughters who, despite being raised in the same home, showcased distinctly different personalities. Her older daughter -- a biological child, was an A-class student and a music enthusiast. Conversely, her younger daughter – the adopted one, continually wrestled with the English language and had a keen flair for avoiding homework like the plague.
## Looking into the Rear-view Mirror
Reflecting on her journey of parenthood through adoption, Anna Maria wished she understood earlier the impact of trauma and grief in the process of adoption. The recognition of the primal wound in adopted children and the notion of adoption starting with grief and loss changed her parenting approach for the better. As Anna Maria put it - honesty, networking with other adoptive families, and seeking professional help when necessary are the key components of a successful adoption journey.
## Advocacy for Adoptive Families
Anna Maria's journey has not only made her a seasoned parent but also an advocate for adoptive families. Her recommendations for families considering adoption include networking with other adoptive families, conducting thorough research about the impacts such as trauma, grief, and loss in adopted children, honesty within the family dynamics, and seeking professional help when necessary.
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