This guest post is by Anthony Zurica, an adoption attorney.
Adopting a child into a new home can be a whirlwind of activity.
In addition to the huge excitement and joy that comes attached with expanding the family, there is often a bigger amount of concern as to whether the child will be comfy with adapting to the new environment, especially if he is an older child.
While you might feel tempted to create an adoring design in your home, it is important to leave plenty of room for self-expression.
You also want to ensure that the newcomer is learning while adapting to the ‘new home’ you are trying to create for him.
One of the fastest ways through which you can keep adoptees occupied, engaged and learning at the same time is to hook them up with movies; movies tailored for them.
Generally, some movies and TV shows have great themes that describe happy adoption, even if not always well-implemented, are able to create a relatable experience for adoptive families and the adopted children in a way they can identify with.
Here are 5 adoption-friendly movies – in no particular order – for those involved in the adoption process:
Annie
This 2014 movie portrays a beautiful young girl who was hopelessly lost within the New York City foster care program yet stayed strong and smart enough to survive the woes of NYC streets.
Annie was unlucky to have stayed with a mean foster mom, Miss Hannigan but luck shined on her when she met a billionaire, Will Stacks, who saved her from a near-car accident.
The scene was videotaped by an unknown passerby. Stacks would use this to boost his polls for an upcoming election in NYC. Annie only had one hope of having her parents back someday.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Interesting action film for younger boys, a rat (Master Splinter) played the role of an excellent adoptive father with 4 teenage turtles in his care.
They had a need to fight the enemies of the city but cannot be seen in daylight. The movie laid a strong emphasis on family living and working together as one.
The Odd Life of Timothy Green
Jim and Cindy Green were not fortunate with child-bearing as a result of infertility.
Through the help of Disney Magic, a baby grew in their garden just after dreaming about whom their child would be.
Behold, a Timothy Green! The couple raised Timothy as their own child but soon lost him after he disappeared, leaving a warning message that they both were ready to be parents.
This leaves Jim and Cindy pursuing adoption a year later.
Tarzan
Tarzan, a human raised by an ape, Kala, in the jungle, begins to make inquiries about his origin. Tarzan learned about the jungle culture and began to live just like its inmates.
However, the film celebrates a “two worlds, one family” kind of theme.
This leaves Tarzan to figure out how exactly he fits into the world of apes and other animals.
Superman: The Movie
A couple was faced with the hardest decision of their lives by having to adopt a child who came from nowhere.
Superman’s father Jor-El had made the decision from a planet far away to save his only son as he watched his world crumble.
The couple did their best to provide the best for him but later had to deal with identity-formation issues for the child. Being Superman, he just can’t stop being noticed.
These 5 films aren’t just great movies to watch together as a family, they’re also wonderful conversation-starters about adoption for you and your children.
Anthony Zurica is an experienced adoption attorney covering all of New York, helping single adults, heterosexual and same sex couples fulfill their dream of becoming parents. For more information, check out www.nycadoptionlawyer.com.
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