Summary

Rebecca Gruenspan, an adoption consultant and adoptive mother, interviews Allison Olson, an adoptee, adoptive mom, and author of children's books on adoption. They discuss the importance of changing the adoption narrative and filling the gaps in children's books on adoption. Alison shares her motivation for writing her books, "Surrounded by Love" and "Learning About My Friend's Adoption," which aim to build confidence and self-esteem in young adoptees and educate non-adopted children about adoption. She emphasizes the need for balance and normalization in adoption stories, highlighting the love and struggles of all parties involved. In this conversation, Rebecca and Allison discuss the importance of open adoption and the impact on adoptees. They emphasize the need for adoptive parents to communicate openly with their children about adoption and to support their relationships with their birth families. They also discuss the power of journaling and writing letters to the future child during the waiting process. Allison shares her experiences as an adoptee and an adoptive parent, highlighting the importance of love, support, and understanding in the adoption journey.

Important Links mentioned in Today's Episode

1. **RG Adoption Consulting**

- Website: [rgadoptionconsulting.com](https://www.rgadoptionconsulting.com)

- Email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

2. **Books by Allison Olson**

- **Surrounded by Love**

- **Learning About My Friend's Adoption**

- **Love Letters to My Child**

- Website: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Allison-Olson/author/B0BFMMC13D?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

3. **Adoption Roadmap Academy**

- Information and sign-up: [RG Adoption Consulting](https://www.rgadoptionconsulting.com)

4. **Angela Tucker's Book**

- **You Should Be Grateful**: [Amazon Link](https://www.amazon.com)

5. **Adoption Resources**

- **American Adoptions**: [americanadoptions.com](https://www.americanadoptions.com)

- **Lori Holden’s Book**: **The Open-Hearted Way to Open Adoption**: [Amazon Link](https://www.amazon.com)

- **Alina Hall’s Book**: **Adoption is Both**: [Amazon Link](https://www.amazon.com)

- **Angela Tucker**: [The Adopted Life](https://www.theadoptedlife.com)

- **Take the "Are You Ready to Adopt?" Quiz**: [RG Adoption Consulting Quiz](https://www.rgadoptionconsulting.com/quiz)

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Closed and Open Adoption

02:05 Introducing Alison Olson and Her Adoption Journey

03:25 Changing the Adoption Narrative: Filling the Gaps in Children's Books

09:20 The Impact of Unbalanced Adoption Books

12:07 Surrounded by Love: Balancing the Adoption Story

28:57 Love Letters to My Child: Documenting the Adoption Journey

30:41 The Importance of Open Adoption and Birth Family Relationships

34:08 Writing Letters and Journaling: Providing Comfort and Reassurance

39:53 Supporting Adoptees' Relationships with Birth Families

42:43 Open and Ongoing Conversations about Adoption

48:52 Embracing the Complexity of Adoption with Love and Understanding

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