The next article in the series on Transracial Adoption on Adoption.com deals with the things that parents should do once their children are home and how to help your child to “become a stable, happy, healthy individual with a strong sense of racial or cultural identity.” Isn't that what we all want? You can find this article here.

The article presents seven parenting techniques that all adoptive parents, especially those of transracial families, should follow. The articles states, “The seven parenting techniques listed below were compiled from books and articles on adoption and by interviewing experts in transracial and transcultural adoption. Some of these "techniques" are common sense and apply to all adopted children. However, with transracially or transculturally adopted children, these techniques are especially important.” I have added my comments after each “technique” and you can read the article to get more information and advice.

The seven recommended parenting techniques are…

- Become intensely invested in parenting. (I think ALL parents need to do this one!)Beinga parent means that your needs are no longer always the most important.

-Tolerate no racially or ethnically biased remarks. This one is really important, and can also be a difficult one. Many “white” families see nothing wrong with telling jokes or making comments about other races and cultures in the name of “harmless fun”, but in reality, it is not harmless or fun to the people on the other end of the jokes. As an adoptive parent, you must be your child’s biggest advocate and role model. If you refuse to tolerate racially or ethnically biased remarks, jokes, etc., your child will learn that it is ok for them to stand up for themselves, they will develop a greater self esteem as they see you standing up for them and they will learn that they do not have to accept or live with such comments.

-Surround yourselves with supportive family and friends. This is also extremely important. It is difficult when family or friends do not approve of your family, and it can be very draining and damaging. While you can’t always completely avoid unsupportive people, you can surround yourselves with friends and family that are supportive. If you have trouble in this area, I recommend looking for an adoption group of one sort or another, as adoptive parents can be wonderful support for each other.

-Celebrate all cultures. Send your family and those around you the message that all cultures are wonderful.

-Talk about race and culture. The days of ignoring racial and cultural difference in adoptive families are over. Talk, talk, talk.

-Expose your child to a variety of experiences so that he or she develops physical and intellectual skills that build self-esteem. Every kid needs to find things that they enjoy and are good at so help build self-worth and self-confidence.

-Take your child to places where most of the people present are from his or her race or ethnic group. Although our adopted children are “used” to not being in the cultural majority, it is very good for them to get that experience and the confidence it will bring. Many families accomplish this by attending specific churches, shopping areas, culture camps, adoption groups, etc.