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Love Without Boundaries recently began a blog series for new adoptive parents called “Realistic Expectations”, which came to be after they read too many adoption blogs where parents had unrealistic expectations on their new child’s cleanliness, attachment to clothing, lack of adoption preparation, etc.  

Realistic Expectations on

Cleanliness: http://www.lwbcommunity.org/realistic-expectations-part-one

 Potty Training in China:  http://www.lwbcommunity.org/realistic-expectations-potty-training

Clothing:  http://www.lwbcommunity.org/realistic-expectations-clothing

Child Preparation:  http://www.lwbcommunity.org/realistic-expectations-child-preparation

Food Issues:  http://www.lwbcommunity.org/realistic-expectations-food-issues

"Before You Leave Home" - February 2002

"Surviving the Wait" - February 2001

"The First Hours" - November 2000

"Ten Tips for Adoption Travel"(.pdf) by Carrie Howard
Whether in the US or abroad, almost all adoptive parents travel to a distant city to meet their new child. Here are a collection of ideas and suggestions, to help parents make the most of this defining event in a family's life.

"Accurate Adoption Language"(.pdf) by Mike Feazal
Through their word choices, even the well-meaning may inadvertently convey that adoptive families are somehow less genuine and permanent than other families. Here are language guidelines to send to your local newspaper editor or to family and friends who might benefit.

"How to Lobby Your Employer for Adoption Benefits" (.pdf) by Elizabeth Mair
For working parents, the need to take time off without pay may put adoption beyond their financial means. Here's a road map, including a sample letter, for approaching your employer to request adoption benefits.

"The Adoption Tax Credit Explained: a Q&A" (.pdf) by Mark McDermott JD
An expanded adoption expense tax credit was made permanent as part of the June 2001 federal tax bill. Here are the details on this complex new law. Useful for your accountant as well.

Partnering with Always and Forever Homeland Tours

Michael Han, co-founder of ASIA, now owns Always and Forever Adoption Homeland Tours in Portland. Because of Michael's experience bringing families together with their Chinese daughters and sons, he has a deep appreciation and understanding of the "red thread" that connects American families with the birth country of their adopted children.

Michael was known for his attention to detail and the care and concern he showed for families as they traveled to China. We at ASIA believe he is in a unique position to help ASIA families return to China for a meaningful, fun and amazing homeland tour.

ASIA is proud to collaborate with Always and Forever Homeland Tours. If you have been considering taking your child back to their birthplace, we hope you will consider Always and Forever. And because Michael supports the work of ASIA, 3% of your tour fee will be donated to ASIA. Please go to www.alwaysforever.us and use the source code "ASIA" when booking your tour.