The Challenges of Parenting in a Transracial Adoption (feat. Julie Etter)
Transracial adoption is not a new topic to The Riverside Project Podcast. We had the honor of speaking with Isaac Etter in a past episode on this topic and today we are talking with his adoptive mother, Julie.
Julie Etter is an adoptive mom along with her husband. They have five children—two through adoption and three biologically. Julie is a beloved speaker on this topic of transracial adoption and the ups and downs her family has experienced. As a history teacher by trade, Julie loves to read and finds anything about history riveting. Her favorite way to spend her time is with her family and although she isn’t supposed to have favorites, her grandchild holds a special place in her heart.
In this episode, we continue the conversation on transracial adoption, the importance of mentors who can support you, some of the struggles parents and children may go through, key resources you should be aware of, and much more.
You can also find this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more.
Key Takeaways
- Take the time to get on the same page with your spouse. This is not only true when making the decision to adopt but also as you learn how to parent a child who is a different race than your own. For Julie and her husband, they had just walked through miscarriage and infertility. Before they took the next step into adopting a child, they coordinated with one another to be certain they were prepared for it.
- Find a support system. When it comes to transracial adoption, there are very few people who “get” it without living it. It is so important to seek out mentors who can help you understand your child’s culture, mentors who have also adopted, and other people who know firsthand what you are going through. These are the people who can offer you sound advice and support.
- Trust is key. Your child is going to experience many things that you can’t relate to as someone of a different race. It’s important for them to know they can come to you with anything. That trust is built up over time and by having a foundation of open communication in your relationship.
Resources
Meet the Guest
Julie Etter is an adoptive mom, a beloved speaker, and a Humanities teacher. She is well-known for speaking on the subject of Transracial Adoption and her own family’s experience on the subject matter. Julie hopes that others will feel understood as they walk this similar road of adoption. Her favorite way to spend her time is cooking family dinners for her husband, five children and their partners, and for her grandson.
