Online Adoption Courses

Josh and I are required to complete a 10 hour adoption training.  We have complete two courses already and I learned something that I think will be very helpful not only for our son but for all of our children.  One of the courses, Conspicuous Family, was really a guide in how to respond to comments that people will make about our son being a different race.  Josh actually thought we would get more comments about him having Down syndrome.  I am not sure what to expect.  So far I have not had any comments made to me about Hannah and so it will be interesting to see what people say, if they say anything at all.  From this course I learned the importance of paying attention to what the child is hearing, not only from the question or comment made by an outside source but also our response to the comment.  I had never really thought about this before.  I am not a quick thinker when I'm in a situation that requires a strong response.  Josh on the other hand is very quick and will make sure the person understands if their comment is out of line or not.  I just hope if we do face a situation where the comment is inappropriate that Josh will be with me. 

I think it's unfortunate that we have to learn these types of things.  I don't understand why people can't just be happy for other people and see the positive in the whole situation. 

I watched Extreme Makeover the other night and the family had a daughter with Down syndrome.  I love the show because there was no focus on this child other than one of the parents stating the obvious about their child.  She has Down syndrome.  There were no tears about it, no pity party, no focus on her at all and I loved it.  That is exactly how it should be.  This little girl was part of the bigger picture, the family that was struggling and was being blessed with a new home.  The show was about the family!  I want that for Hannah.  I want people with Down syndrome to be so much a part of our society that people don't even notice.  I walk through the store all the time and can't remember anyone I saw.  This is true inclusion, when no one stands out because they are different because being different is normal.

Blessings,