Adoption SHE WAS PLANNED

Adoption

SHE WAS PLANNED
I didn’t give you the gift of life, life gave me the gift of you

Should children be told they are adopted?

Yes!! The earlier the better.
It also depends on the child’s level of understanding.
For most children, adopted or not, questions are concerns related to identity typically ­developed in early adolescence. The task of identity development can be more complicated for an adopted child. Questions arise about why he/she was put up for adoption, who and what their biological parents are, what role genetics will play in who they are and turn out to be, who they look like and where they really belong.
Their issues are related to feelings of loss and grief, the development of self-esteem, their value and purpose, level of achievement and general feeling of being valuable.
An adopted child faces some issues and concerns that are different to those faced by a ­bio­logical child born into the family.
This book will enable the adopted child to work through these challenges.

Bio

Amanda Marais is an art counsellor with a fervent passion for children. Her love of art has allowed her to touch the lives of many a child, and adult.
Amanda obtained a BA degree in Fine Arts, a National Diploma in Graphic Art and a qualification in art therapy at diploma level through the Art Therapy Academy in SA and ­several ­diplomas in different courses which have equipped her to help traumatized children and adults.
Amanda and her husband Johann reside in Pretoria, South Africa with their three children – Anita, Theo and Elrize – and their partners and 6 grandchildren.
She draws her inspiration from her children and grandchildren who she says give meaning and purpose to her life. She is a firm believer in the life-changing power of art therapy.