ADOPTIVE PARENTING LECTURE SERIES

The goal of this series is to provide adoptive parents with the medical knowledge and parenting skills to care for their children in a safe and loving home.

All lectures will be held at the Jewish Community Center, 4200 Park Avenue, Bridgeport , at 7:30 p.m. , unless otherwise listed. There is no charge. Refreshments will be served. If you have questions, please call Jewish Family Service at (203) 366-5438.

JANUARY 26, 2006

Everything You Wanted to Know About Domestic Adoption and More – Domestic Panel

Learn the various ways of identifying children in the U.S. to be adopted. Hear first hand stories about speaking to and meeting birthmothers, being present at the delivery, understanding Interstate compact, dealing with the DCF system and lots more. Facilitated by Barbara Paris

* Required for all families in the process of a first time domestic adoption.

FEBRUARY 16, 2006

Show and Tell

This is a wonderful opportunity to meet with families who have successfully adopted and hear their stories. Panelists will present their experiences with adopting children from China , Colombia , Kazakhstan , Russia and Guatemala .

There will be time for questions and answers and small group discussion.

* Required for all families in the process of a first time international adoption.

MARCH 16, 2006

Well Child Care

Dr. Edward Lenard will present a lecture that will cover feeding, burping, diapers, bathing and basic sleep routine, followed with opportunities for hands on practice.

APRIL 6, 2006

Multiculturalism and Adoption

Dr. Navyn Naran will discuss integrating a child into your home from a different culture and celebrating the diversity. Strategies for developing positive self- esteem will be addressed.

MAY 18, 2006

Attachment and Bonding

Dr. Carol Weitzman of the Yale International Adoption Clinic will speak about the difference between attachment and bonding, who is at risk of attachment disorder, and how to facilitate healthy attachments in the lifelong process of becoming a family.

JUNE 15, 2006

Safety, Childproofing and Setting Up a Child’s Room

Dr. Thomas Homa will run a hands-on discussion of safety. He will bring the various plug covers, latches, gates, etc and will have up to date information on car seats and nursery necessities.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2006

Parenting Challenges

Dr. Susanna Jalkut will discuss sleep, toilet training and food issues. These are the top three challenges most parents seem to face! (other than lack of sleep!)

OCTOBER 19, 2006

Developing a Parenting Style

Barbara Paris will discuss the joys and challenges of parenting, discipline approaches and how to work together with your partner to form a strong parenting team.

NOVEMBER 16, 2006

Developmental Milestones (Birth to Three)

Dr. Amanda Murphy will discuss normal developmental stages as well as what to expect in the adopted child.

DECEMBER 14, 2006

Talking to Your Kids About Adoption

Barbara Paris will facilitate a panel discussion with adoptees who will speak of their experience. Learn how and when to speak to your children about adoption in age appropriate, positive language, how to field tough questions and set a tone that will foster lifelong discussion.

All lectures will be held at the Jewish Community Center, 4200 Park Avenue , Bridgeport , at 7:30 p.m. , unless otherwise listed. There is no charge. Refreshments will be served. If you have questions, please call Jewish Family Service at (203) 366-5438.