In this video with a panel of four adoptive parents, meeting the birth parents is discussed. Understandably, this is an anxious time. Some feel as if they are campaigning and need to “sell” themselves. But when adoptive parents realize that the first meeting is often as stressful and nerve-wracking for the birth parents, it helps assuage fears. Often the meeting, whether formal or informal, is an opportunity to get to know each other and to begin a friendship. No “convincing” is necessary – it is a time to explore a relationship. Recognizing that the meeting is an opportunity to participate in an extraordinary experience will help you to relax and enjoy the moments.
