Words have the power to change our perspective. Even the most well-meaning people can harm someone with their words simply because they do not understand. Understanding specific language can help with sensitive situations, like adoption.

Whether you are speaking with an adoptive family or a birthmother, the chart below will help you, or your well-meaning friends and family members, use words that won’t unintentionally harm anyone.

Stereotyping adoption and negative adoption language can affect how children view themselves. We hope this chart helps you understand the language of adoption and why it is so important to use. For more information about helping friends and family understand adoption, check out this blog post. If you have any further questions, contact us at 662-842-6752.