CHSFS Info Meeting

Tonight Dan and I joined with other waiting families via a webinar for an program update.  I was really hoping they would say "hey Korea thinks this is silly having the kids wait so long, come get your kiddos!"  yeah right.

Oh well still learned a bit.

Things I didn't know or had questions about:

• Typically how do children respond/adapt to pets after coming home?

Pets are very uncommon in Korea, if there is any exposure to pets they are the tiny dogs that fit into purses. That might be a problem!  The speaker even said sometimes the foster mom is even frightened of the photos of dogs that are sent so doesn't share the photo with the child.  boy is Evan in for a surprise!

•  learn about a child's foster home experience

Children sleep on a floor mattress with foster mom until school age and there is very little discipline until school age. Children are with the foster mom 24/7, usually on her back in a carrier. Typically their homes are very open, and not cluttered whatsoever. Many of the foster moms live in apartments in Seoul. Life revolves around the child. Children eat with the family on the floor eating the same foods- although seriously mashed up.  She even mentioned that some adoptive parents question why their child will not chew or has trouble chewing after coming home - because they have never had to.  Everything they eat is either mashed up or a 'dissolvable consistancy', think "puffs".

Typically children have never been a car seat or car for that matter. Public transportation is utilized and baby is again carried on foster mom's back.  (doesn't sound like a real fun drive home from the airport, after a really fun plane trip??)

• practice some basic Korean words that will be helpful during your child's transition

So just last week I was researching a little Rosetta Stone - Korean action to prep for the trip and help with the language barrier with Evan. But I learned last night that I should NOT attempt to learn Korean. Because I do not look Korean it would confuse Evan.  Korea is a very homogeneous society, very few foreigners live there (especially outside of Seoul). I am not to call myself Umma (Mom) but to use the English word to prevent confusion.  The speaker did give a few words that would be good to learn, I cannot remember everything right now but will have to get the print copy of the presentation. but words that would be useful: "up" or "carry" like a in the carrier/piggy back style and different words for food.