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When I hear the words adoption picnic, I usually think of things in negative terms. I think of the “matching picnics” where there a hoard of kids, and potential parents are supposed to spend a few hours with kids and decide which child would be the best fit for their family. Sorry, but this is not a good way to pair kids and parents. The kids are on their best behavior and not usually showing their “true” selves. Parents fall in love with the child they see rather than the child they would really have in their home.
My version of an adoption picnic would be more like a support group and a chance for adoptive families to get together.
Depending on what part of the country you live in, you may not want to host an outdoor picnic. Here in the Midwest, you could have any type of weather in November. Instead you could talk to a school about using a gymnasium or cafeteria, check with a local community center, a children’s museum, or even your local library if they have a meeting area.
Make the food easy to prepare or handle, maybe have everyone bring a dish to pass or get a big party sub from your local sub sandwich place or deli. Have kid friendly or family friendly games. Some things like a scavenger hunt, a three legged race with parent and child, bingo or hula hoops are thins you can safely do inside.
The kids may find comfort in spending time with other kids who have gone through things similar to them. We know that parents find comfort in spending time with parents that go through similar experiences.
If you don’t know of other adoptive parents, you can contact your local adoption agency, social services agency or support group. They will know of other parents who will need support or would like to participate in this type of event. They may even have an event that is already organized that you can simply participate in, or they might help you in planning.
If you live in a warmer climate, you could choose to host an outdoor picnic, or meeting at a place like a zoo or playground.
Whatever you decide to do, enjoy the time with other adoptive parents.
