Adoptive parents have unique opportunities to celebrate special milestones with their adopted child. Here are three ways to honor and remember your child’s adoption, biological family, and the wonderful memories adoption creates.

Celebrate “Gotcha Day”

The excitement, relief, and anticipation that adoptive parents feel when the courts finalize their child’s adoption is a reason to celebrate. Many adoptive parents call this “Gotcha Day” or “Family Day.” It’s the day your child officially and legally becomes a family member.

In Missouri, the courts require six months from the time a child is placed in the potential adoptive parents’ home to finalize the adoption. Although they already feel like family, “Gotcha Day” makes it a reality. It’s a special day to tell your child the story of their birth, how you met their birth mother, and how much they are loved.

Although this is the perfect day to start a new family tradition, remember that “Gotcha Day” may have different meanings at different times in your child’s life. Be sensitive to where they are with their adoption story, openly discuss adoption, and make sure you’re in tune with your child’s feelings.

Honor Birth Mother’s Day

Birth Mother’s Day occurs the Saturday before Mother’s Day. It’s an opportunity to celebrate and remember your child’s birth mom.

Whether your child has contact with their birth mom or not, Birth Mother’s Day reminds them that more than one family loves them. If you have an open or semi-open relationship with your child’s birth mom, have your child draw a picture, send a card, or give a gift.

If you are unable to have contact with their birth mother, it is still important to honor her in whatever way you can. Once again, you want to be sensitive to your specific adoption situation. Teaching your child to respect their birth families is vital, but it’s also essential to know how their birth mother feels about this day.

Create a Life Book

Baby books are still a popular way to remember baby’s firsts. A new mom records her baby’s first word, tooth, steps, and more.

You may not have a record of some of those firsts unless your child was adopted as a newborn. However, you can record other special milestones for your adopted child.

Create a Life Book with photos, cards, letters, and other memories from your child’s birth family. Keep track of dates when you visited each other in person or communicated by phone.

Make a note of the things your child has in common with their birth families. Do they both love a particular food? Music? Activities? Do they have a specific cultural heritage?

A Life Book creates a special connection to your child’s birth family that you can review repeatedly. It’s the perfect conversation starter.

Are You Looking For More Adoption Information?

Whether you are a mother facing an unplanned pregnancy or a couple wishing to adopt, A Gift of Hope Adoptions can assist you with information and resources. We are a full-service, child-placing agency licensed in the state of Missouri.

To schedule an appointment, fill out our online Contact Form or call us at (888) 564-HOPE (4673). We will happily speak to you regardless of whether you choose to work with us.

This blog is for informational purposes only. This is not legal or medical advice. While we try our best to reflect current laws with accuracy at the time of writing, please note the laws can change over time.