This episode tells the story of Amy and Tiger, two creatives who "met old" and wanted to start a family. With money constraints, they found their way to foster-to-adopt, and after an arduous fostering process, were able to adopt their daughter.

We discuss so many topics on this episode:

-The feeling of "otherness" that can sometime occur as an adoptive family.

-Transracial adoption and as white people, some ways to support an African American child.

-Tokenism and representation in the media.

-Their long journey through the difficult foster care system. The stress and trauma, and how they fought through it.

-Visitations, overnight visits and the delicate and sometimes confusing relationship with their daughter's birth family.

-"Bird-nesting" and co-parenting amicably through divorce

Since recording this episode, I wanted to share some resources on the topic of transracial adoption. As a transracial adoptive family ourselves, my husband and I are committed to continuing education on this topic, including listening to adult adoptees.

-The family camp I refer to in the episode:

Pact Family Camp

https://pactadopt.org/pact-camp/

I have since learned there are many of these types of camp. This one was recommended by our Foster Family Agency, Extraordinary Families.

-An excellent resource regarding hair care and maintenance for white parents with black children is Ms. Terria Roushun Epting. She has a book, a workbook and a course (that I'll be taking soon!). For all her offerings, visit her website https://terriaroushun.com/ and follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/terriaroushun

-To learn about the life and experience of a black woman adopted by white parents, her search to find her biological parents and why white people need to be educated on the transracial adoptive experience, read "You Should Be Grateful" by Angela Tucker . I listened to the audiobook, which she does a great job of narrating! She also has many other offerings, including a podcast, which are discoverable here:

https://www.angelatucker.com/

Follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/angieadoptee/

I'm sure there are many more valuable resources out there, so please don't hesitate to share them with me and our listeners. It is a lifelong education process. If you feel we've gotten anything wrong in this episode, please call us "in" and let us know how we can do better.

I'm committed to learning and growing in this space, as well as educating others. Thanks!