For The Child
October 02, 2004

Lessons Learned: Not just for kids!

This was part of the lesson that participants heard at the recent As Simple As That Families Are Forever Net Seminar, School Daze. Adam Pertman, the Executive Director of the Evan B. Donaldson Institute and award-winning author of Adoption Nation reminded us that issues surrounding family formation (including adoption), race and culture need to be addressed systemically with the same vigor that other 'isms' receive. He counseled us to look at adoption through the broader prism of family formation and reminded us that the real issues are inclusion and diversity. And he told us never to give up.

Janet Stork, the Head of the very progressive Morriss Center School in Bridgehampton, New York also helped us understand the view from the other side of the desk, explaining that teachers today go far beyond the traditional 3 R's and are deeply involved in social and development issues with students. While encouraging us to work collaboratively with teachers she also suggested that the physical environment of the classroom and culture of the school-driven from the top down-are crucially important to creating environments where all children feel safe and respected.

Finally, Dr. Ruth Meese, brought it all together with tactics that actually work in the classroom. She eloquently outlined alternative assignments and coached us on language to use with teachers.

The theme throughout the event: respect: For teachers, for students, for culture, for heritage; for parents and for themselves.

Clearly, we all learned a lot about working with our children and their teachers on an ongoing basis. Please visit our events page for more information and resources.

Our As Simple As That Families Are Forever Net Seminar series continues on October 14 with Birthparents: How to talk to your child about their family of origin—surviving and thriving! when we are joined by Dr. Christopher Deeg and a panel of adult adoptees, adoptive parents and Single Mother's by Choice as we learn the in's and out's of discussing our children's roots with them and with others in the community.

Remember the Net Seminar Series allows you to engage with some of the great resources without leaving the comfort of your home! A portion of all registration fees support the As Simple As That Foundation's initiative to increase the number of ethnically diverse donors to the National Marrow Foundation's donor pool.

And we still have room on our Parents Panel. We are looking for people to identify the best products for kids (including books, movies, games, toys). Our slant: products that empower kids to accept and celebrate culture, choices and 'abilities'. If you don't want to serve on the panel but have a favorite (or a suggestion on what to avoid), let us know at forthechild@simpleasthat.com.