Dr. Scott Turansky

Dr. Scott Turansky offers moms practical, real-life advice for many of parenting’s greatest challenges. read bio

Honor favor #9: Adopting others

Adoption is establishing a special, committed relationship over time. Sometimes adoption is formal, as when Carrie and I (Scott) adopted Megan and Elizabeth into our family. We've learned a tremendous amount from our girls, and they've brought a lot of joy into our lives. But sometimes the adoption is less formal, as singles are adopted into a family or an older person becomes a substitute grandparent. One family adopted Harriet, an eighty-two-year old widow, to be their friend. Harriet joined the family on Thanksgiving and Christmas, bringing joy to all. The family brought Harriet cookies and planted flowers in her garden. In turn, Harriet taught the children how to knit and told them stories from her childhood. The relationship became special. It was more than just caring for their family life. Adoption helps people fell as though they belong. It meets relational needs that may be missing elsewhere. Adoption can bring joy into a family as people grow and learn together and experience the challenge of adding another person to the family dynamic.

Used with permission from the book Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes…in You and Your Kids! By Scott Turansky D.Min. and Joanne Miller, R.N., B.S.N.