How do you and your child talk about her/his life before you became a family?
Are there parts of your child's early life story that you find difficult to
explain? Do you ever wonder about which words to use, and where to start?
Writing a lifebook is an ideal way to begin to answer these questions. Attend an
FCC/NE Lifebook Session and learn how to document your child's life story as
well as become more at ease talking with your child about adoption.
The Lifebook Sessions comprise up to 14 parents, a facilitator, and a social worker, begin with an explanation of what a lifebook is and proceed with suggestions on how to write our children's stories. The sessions are not based on a "teacher as lecturer" format but as a group approach where the facilitator introduces and guides the session, and the social worker provides information for discussion, and expertise as it relates to the material.
The Lifebook Project is not just about making a book, but about getting used to the words of adoption, specifically adoption from China. There is no "right" way to create a lifebook, and it can be very simply made.
See autumn schedule below for Lifebook Sessions scheduled through November, 2001. Sessions will be limited to 14 people, so please sign up as soon as possible. There's a fee of $25 to cover expenses.
To learn more about the FCC/NE Lifebook Project, contact Jackie Farrell, Chair, FCC/NE Lifebook Committee.
"Lifebooks sensitively and honestly present to our children the facts of their lives before we became family. With knowledge of their beginnings, including the "hard" truths, they are better positioned to move forward in their own self-understanding." -- Cindy Probst, MEd, LCSW, Adoption Specialist
Our spring schedule as it now stands, is below, with some information to follow. Registration is open to any interested parents of children adopted from China.
| Date | Location | Contact for information and registration |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, March 30, 2002 | Rhode Island | Lisa King at LKing@cambridge-housing.org |
| Wednesday, May 15, 2002 | Southboro, MA | Shelagh Ellman–Pearl at saep@charter.net or (508)229–2854 |
|
FCC/NE Lifebook Guide -- Available Now!Based on the FCC/NE Lifebook Project, this 12-page guide provides information on what a lifebook is, how to think about writing one, and how to use one. Includes an annotated bibliography and some sample wording. The Lifebook Guides sell for $3.00 each, $25.00/10. To order, go the FCC/NE Merchandise page, or to Emily's Books and see item code "FCC001". |
The story behind the FCC/NE Lifebook Project
"A Mother's Introduction to Lifebooks" by Rika Smith McNally
"Talking to Nina" by Jackie Farrell
"Telling Her Story, Not Ours: Notes from an FCC/NE Lifebook Workshop" by Lori Dair
To learn more about FCC New England and its activities see the FCC New England Home Page .
Please send comments and input for this page to Jackie Farrell. Last revised 3/20/2002.