You’re not giving up… You’re choosing a better future!

The most common phrase associated with adoption is “giving up” a child for adoption – but that’s such a negative phrase. You’re not giving your child up, you’re choosing a better future for your child. You’re giving an amazing gift to another family. You’re making people’s lives change for the better.

For many years, adoption was a dark secret of our society, but the public viewpoint has shifted. It’s no longer something to hide or talk about behind closed doors. In fact, it’s commonley celebrated in today’s world. The perception has changed, and it’s time to change the language we use around adoption as well.

At Lifetree, we’ve talked about using positive adoption language for years, and we wanted to share a list of positive adoptions terms to help shift the narrative. The more we all use these terms with family and friends, the faster the phrases will become the norm.

Instead of:

Say this instead:

Give up for adoption
Place for adoption, choose adoption, create an adoption plan
Relinquish or surrender rights
Transfer or terminate parental rights
Real parent
Birth parent
My adopted child
My child
Keep a child
Parent a child

If we all start using positive adoption phrases, we’ll help educate other people about adoption – and help everyone realize that adoption is simply another way to make a family!

If you have any questions about adoption, the Lifetree team is available 24 hours a day. You can call us or text us any time at 972-491-3333 and we’ll be happy to answer any questions or help in any way we can!

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