Lighthouse Thoughts

So this isn’t exactly about hugs and kisses, more like bonding with your child through physical touch. Research shows that children/babies who are hugged, kissed, held, etc. develop a healthier emotional life – and this means a better decision making process as the child grows into an adult.  Just opposite, children who are not hugged […]

Bedtime Routine: A child’s bedtime routine offers exactly that : routine, which in most children [and adults] brings enormous comfort. Almost everyone, old and young have one, and can tell you what their routine was as a child. Using this time to build on verbal affirmation is some times easier for the child to accept  […]

We often get asked for advice on when should I talk to the child about their adoption? There are many approaches and suggestions, but we believe in being open about it from the beginning. Using the language, helping the child to understand and embrace they were chosen and placed in your family because they are […]

We LOVE to read the testimonials that parents often send in about their experience, and baby Gage’s family was no different. Below is an excerpt from their story ….. In March of 2008, I met with Dawn at Beacon House Adoption Service.She was very knowledgeable about international adoption and patientlyansweredall of my questions.  I completed […]

It is a relief to many people world wide to know that they are still able to bring home a piece of their family from Russia. Russian adoptions are still ongoing as of today – and have not ceased as some news reports have stated. It is highly sensitive right now, and even though a […]

This pass Sunday, in Manhattan, more than 100 adoptive and prospective adoptive families and adoption professionals, gathered at the 16th Annual Ametz adoption conference to learn more about adoption. Ametz provided some great information on those who are looking into the possibility of extending their family through adopting. Beacon House’s own Denise Hoppenhauer was one […]

There are SO many great reasons to consider adoption. We love, love, love to hear a families heart, and why they chose adoption …. Sharlene, over at adoption.com shared hers:     “There are multiple reasons my husband and I decided to adopt children. These are the top ten reasons why Adoption was right for us:1.) […]

Step back and consider that although you and your home have been preparing for bringing baby home, the child had no transition time – One day – there you were, and everything the baby/child was familiar with changed. So what should you do if child is having some difficulty adjusting? The most important thing you […]

Yes, We do know that Russian adoptions have been in the news in not such a positive light – but what about the other 1800 children who are now living with families that embrace them in ways they never could have imagined? Well, we decided now would be a great time to help families with […]

Great resources are an abundance thanks to the internet – and that goes for books too. Another great, and incredibly insightful book is by our very own Denise Hoppenhauer. Densie penned Adopting a Toddler:What Size Does She Wear? after walking through her own adoption experience. During her journey, Denise was able to find plenty of […]