Parent Driven DevelopmentEpisode 036: AdoptionThis episode will discuss the process of international adoption, the major changes that hit home, and future challenges adopting parents and children faceHow long does it take to adopt a child internationally? It took Kalimar 2 ½-3 years!Kalimar and his wife have had their baby girl for 6 months, she is now 21 month oldHuge learning curve welcoming a child that already has mobilityKalimar and his wife are 35+ and decided this was the right option for themAdoption ad in paper, an optionInternational adoption agencies is most common and safeInternational adoption requirements: Micro scale of state approval, social workers, background checks, reading, workshops, cultural events, then moving to federal approval then international country approvalThe paperwork is tough, but Kalimar says parenting is harder!Everyone and every book has a different advice on parentingKids don't come with instructionsNo more late nights because baby doesn’t sleep inThe need for more friendly activities with friends, luckily most of Kalimar's friends already have kids!Secret sledding hills that have mostly been kid only zones are now opened up to play atKWU's son is full of excitement and the energy is contagiousKalimar's daughter eats spaghetti for the first time and its adorableNew toddlers like to explore their limits and gravityThe challenges in adopting a newborn verse a toddlerKalimar had to baby proof before bringing his daughter homeThe danger kid zone within the house, everyone has oneYes! Massive support from adoption agency, trainings, workshops, other families and community membersWhy parenting classes are important and how biological parents should be put through parenting school just like adoption parentsFirst day with adopted child - the bumps, triumphs and everything in betweenFirst google agency, then attend an open house and adoption seminars, see who you mesh withFactor in expense of international adoption cost and timeline that it will takeKalimar reflects on the self question of making it known that his daughter is adopted in daycare or notAdoption transition tips - understanding the child is going through HUGE emotional changesKalimar feels lucky his daughter is so adaptable How to talk about the adoption process with your child at the level they can understand.Open discussion is best, remove the tabooAdoptive parents do a whole lot of work and are totally the parentsKalimar worries about his daughter being treated as a minority, as he and his wife are caucasion and their daughter is Indian.Girl and dad relationship, other common worriesBecome a part of the local community of their daughters orginPros and cons of exposing your child to their origin countryChris stores old legos and toys in his attic until his friends with new babies need them. Out of the house and supporting a friend #parentingwinAllison gets crafty by using walkie-talkies to keep in touch with her 4-year-old son at her office HQ #geniusJC’s 10-year-old daughter is a total catch! She learns how to put in the work to improve her skills as her teams catcher. KWU’s son is repeating everything. She’s noted to watch her language, but proud that her son has picked up on her good habits and is mimicking new language.Kalimar temps his daughter back to the dinner table by making it look like the most delicious time ever!Kids continue to throw food on the ground... to learn reaction and explore new roles #fail Follow & SupportPlease follow us @parentdrivendev on Twitter or email us at [email protected]. Our website is at ParentDrivenDevelopment.com.Support us via Patreon and get access to our our Slack Community.PanelKWuJC AvenaAllison McMillanChris SextonSpecial Guest: Kalimar Maia.