Attaching in Adoption online radio broadcast

Tune in with me at 11:00 central time today to an online radio broadcast entitled Attachment Issues When Adopting a Child Over the Age of Two. Deborah Gray, author of Attaching in Adoption and Nurturing Adoptions will talk about the special challenges of adopting a preschool aged child and what parents can do to help their child attach and bond. The one-hour show is put on through the website creatingafamily.com, which airs a live show on topics of adoption and infertility every Wednesday. Miss the live airing? You can still follow the link to listen to the show and other past shows in their archive as well. If you do tune in, please leave a comment and let us know what you thought!

Save the Dates for Spring

We know...it's not even Christmas yet and here we are telling you to mark your calendars for spring! There are two events taking place the weekend of April 24 -25. These will be well worth saving the dates...

The first is our annual Friends of Adoption Spring Retreat! This will take place on Saturday at the Lodge at Cedar Creek Resort & Waterpark in Wausau, WI (you can arrive and stay over night on Friday). Those of you who have attended in the past know what a fun time this is for kids and adults alike. If you can make it, you will be glad you did.

If you only have one day to work with, mark Saturday the 25th on your calendar for a one-day seminar in Eau Claire entitled "The 7 Wonders of the World of Adoption." This seminar is put on bi-annually by Western Wisconsin Advocates for Adoption.

More details on both events will be coming in February!

Adoption Panel in La Crosse

If you are in or near the La Crosse area, mark your calendar for Saturday, January 10th for an exciting opportunity to hear from adult adoptees speak about their own adoption experiences as well as answer any questions you may have. Both international and domestic adoptions will be represented, and the age range of the adoptees varies. This FREE event will take place at Catholic Charities in La Crosse from 9:30 - 11:00 am. Children ages 6 and over are welcome to attend. Email mduffy@cclse.org to RSVP. Click here to see a flyer for the event.

Childhood Mental Health Seminar

If you are a parent or professional who would like to learn more about how we can best help children with mental health needs, join us in Menomonie on Tuesday, December 16th from 6-9 pm. Mary Paulson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, will be presenting Childhood Mental Health Disorders and Medications: Is It Any of the Foster/Adoptive Parent's Business? The workshop is free -- click here for event details. Hope to see you there!

"A Home for the Holidays" television special

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and Children's Network will present their 10th annual "A Home for the Holidays" CBS network television special on Tuesday, December 23rd at 7:00 pm Central time. The program raises awareness for foster care adoption and features stars such as Faith Hill, Melissa Etheridge, Kristin Chenoweth, and many others!

Plan to tune in with your family and friends to celebrate the joy of having a family - not only for Christmas but for always. You can view or print the flyer here. Let us know what you think!

Eau Claire area support group

What: Pot luck and support group for adoptive families
When: First Monday of every month, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Where: St. Olaf Catholic Church (click here for directions)

Free childcare is available, so bring the whole family and a dish to pass.

Email dougdeeanderson@aol.com for more information or if you plan to attend the December 1st meeting. New families are always welcome!

"A Place In My Heart" one-day conference

Coming up next Saturday, November 15th is a wonderful conference, "A Place In My Heart." Join us at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells. The conference will feature Juli Alvarado, who will give two presentations: From Chaos to Calm and Intentional Parenting.

Registration is $40 per person, $80 per twosome. Call Leann at 800-762-8063 to register.

Click here for the event brochure. Hope to see you there!