A Guide for Group Discussion of Toddler Adoption: The Weaver’s Craft

Mary Hopkins-Best, Ed.D.

Had you thought about the similarities and differences between adoption of an infant, toddler, and older child? What surprised you about the section “What’s So Special About Toddler Adoption?”
How deliberate is your choice to adopt a toddler? How might that affect your adjustment to your child and your child’s adjustment to you?
How are you preparing for the losses inherent in toddler adoption?
What are you most looking forward to when your child arrives home?

What information will you attempt to gather about your child prior to placement?What is your transition and post-placement plan?

What theoretical perspective on child development is most consistent with yours? Why?
If you have received a referral, how might your child’s developmental age be affected by the adoption?
How will you support your child’s development including the possibility that your child may need to regress for a period of time?
How will you support your child through the loss of previous caregivers?
Based on what you know about your child’s history of care, discuss attachment challenges that you may face and strategies for fostering attachment.
What support resources are available to you?

What is your discipline style?
How will you handle potential criticism of your parenting style by well-meaning but misguided family and friends? How will you help them understand your adopted toddler’s unique needs?
Discuss ways to be a positive parent.