The Cradle offers a series of workshops to support families connected through adoption. These are open to any family, whether they adopted through The Cradle or not.

Registration Information:
Fees:   $20 per person per workshop, $10 for second family member; non-refundable.

Pre-registration is requested: register online below, download the registration form , and mail it with payment, or register by calling  847-733-3233 to ensure a seat; space is limited. If you register online, plan to arrive a bit early and bring payment – cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, Discover accepted.

Walk - in registration times: Please arrive 15 minutes prior to start time.
We regret that babysitting is not available; programs are not appropriate for children.

Child Development: School - Aged Children Postponed Until Fall 2009 9:30 – 11:30am Glen Ellyn Public Library, 400 Duane St, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 View directions to this location Guest speaker: Dr. Kristin Condon, PsyD, Child Psychologist, and Director of Pediatric Psychology Associates

It is helpful for parents to have a basic understanding of child development in order to
nurture their own child’s development and be aware of when it would be beneficial to
seek outside assistance. This presentation will describe predictable steps in child
development for children from kindergarten through adolescence, but also make you
aware that a child’s development, especially an adopted child coming from institutional
care, might not always be typical. This workshop will provide adoptive parents with the
tools and information necessary to understand the generally predictable sequence of
steps and milestones of a child’s development during this time period, as well as to help
parents provide age appropriate responses that will foster their child’s emotional and
intellectual development.

Participants will learn:   

• Basic child development to help observe their child's growth from kindergarten through adolescence.
• What factors influence behavior, cognitive development and emotional well being.
• Ways in which parents can nurture their child's healthy development.
• To understand the meaning of their child's behaviors and explore effective responses.

Many parents wonder how they will answer their children’s question about adoption.
This workshop will be a discussion on talking with your children about adoption. It will
include talking about tough topics, such as birth siblings, unknown birth parents, and
difficult birth parent information. Families will also learn how to talk with both their
adopted and birth children in ways that will benefit the entire family.

** 2 hours of DCFS Foster Care Training for each workshop attended**

Registration Information:
Fees:   $20 per person per workshop, $10 for second family member; non-refundable.

Pre-registration is requested: register online, download the registration form, and mail it with payment, or register by calling  847-733-3233 to ensure a seat; space is limited If you register online, plan to arrive a bit early and bring payment – cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, Discover accepted.

Walk - in registration times: Please arrive 15 minutes prior to start time.
We regret that babysitting is not available; programs are not appropriate for children.

Parenting 101 Saturday, July 18, 2009 9:30 – 11:30am The Cradle, 2049 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201 View directions to this location Guest speaker: Karen Laing, Founder of Birthways Inc., IBCLC, RCL

Whether you are parenting for the first time or adding another child to your family, this
workshop will provide valuable information on the basics of parenting. This presentation
will offer parents practical advice on issues such as sleep, feeding, and toilet training. It
will also cover self-care for parents, the changes that partners go through when they become parents, and how to become more attuned to your child's needs.

Cross Cultural Adoption Experience Saturday, October 17, 2009 9:00am - 12:00pm The Cradle, 2049 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201 View directions to this location Moderated Panel of Adoptive Parents

For families formed by adoption it’s likely parents and children don’t look a like. As a result, questions, comments and even stares from complete strangers, as well as acquaintances are inevitable. It is also likely that your child will experience prejudice, even though you might not feel it. These experiences will occur throughout your child’s life with different issues coming up at different ages. It is important to consider how you will respond to different situations and how you can support your child. Come hear from and share with other families in your similar situation.

Learn from the personal experiences of parents who adopted transracially who will address these questions:

• How should I respond to comments and questions?
• How can I help my child respond to comments and questions?
• How can I help my child identify with his or her race and culture?
• How can I be sensitive to and help prepare my child for racism in the world, be it towards him or her personally or their race in general?

Same Gender Legal Issues in Adoption Saturday, November 7th, 2009 9:30 - 11:30am The Cradle, 2049 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201 View directions to this location Guest speaker: Rosemary Mulryan, adoption attorney

Same gender families formed through adoption face unique challenges that other families don’t. It is important to be aware of what some of the legal issues are and what to consider when estate planning. Rosemary Mulryan, an experienced adoption attorney who has worked with any same-gender families, will share her insights on such topics as:

• The legal adoption process
• Legal implications of last names
• Health insurance
• Traveling
• Guardianship
• Estate planning

Adoptive families will also share their practical experience.

Edited - May 5, 2009

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