Nikolai, The Only Bear
A couple of weeks ago, Vika's kindergarten class went to the Teddy Bear Factory in San Francisco, and each child made their own bear. The theme of teddy bears has been woven throughout the curriculum, so Vika thought this would be a perfect time to bring one of her favorite books, Nikolai, the Only Bear*, to school. This book tells of a bear who lives in an orphanage in Russia. He sees several other children get adopted and find families, but he never really seems to fit in. Then, one day a furry man and a blond woman come to the orphanage, and he finds his forever family.
After reading this story to the class, Mrs. S, Vika's teacher, opened up a discussion about Vika's adoption and what life is like in a Child's Home. The kids asked many questions, including why Vika had to go to an orphanage. This is what Vika told them:
Perhaps, among Vika's peers in the Child's Home, they did.
* Some adoptive families have trouble with this book because it uses the term "orphan," "orphanage" and "keepers." If you find such words offensive, you may want to skip Nikolai The Only Bear. My kids never seem to have a problem with these words, but I don't particularly like the term "keepers" (and the fact that there are 99 of them with 100 children is a little unrealistic). However, the terms "orphanage" and "Baby Home" or "Child's Home" were used interchangeably in Russia, and we use them they same way at home. This may not be P.C., but there it is anyway.
**Vika was taken from the Baby Home by the kids' Russian Mama when she was about 2, but Eamon was not. This incident occurred about 6 months later.
After reading this story to the class, Mrs. S, Vika's teacher, opened up a discussion about Vika's adoption and what life is like in a Child's Home. The kids asked many questions, including why Vika had to go to an orphanage. This is what Vika told them:
My Russian Mama drank too much peeva (Russian for beer/alcohol). One day, my Russian Babushka was at the house, and all the Mamas and Papas were drinking too much peeva and not taking care of the kids. My Babushka called the police, and they took me to the orphanage to be adopted.**Mrs. S told me about this after class, and she was relieved that the other kids in the class did not know what the word peeva meant. She also kind of laughed because Vika had said it so matter of factly, as if incidents like this occur all the time.
Perhaps, among Vika's peers in the Child's Home, they did.
* Some adoptive families have trouble with this book because it uses the term "orphan," "orphanage" and "keepers." If you find such words offensive, you may want to skip Nikolai The Only Bear. My kids never seem to have a problem with these words, but I don't particularly like the term "keepers" (and the fact that there are 99 of them with 100 children is a little unrealistic). However, the terms "orphanage" and "Baby Home" or "Child's Home" were used interchangeably in Russia, and we use them they same way at home. This may not be P.C., but there it is anyway.
**Vika was taken from the Baby Home by the kids' Russian Mama when she was about 2, but Eamon was not. This incident occurred about 6 months later.
She is a matter of fact little girl.
I think it's great her teachers are open to the questions, shows how times have changed in the 20+ years since I was in elementary school.
I'm constantly struck by how much their Russian Mama missed out on with these kids. And how lucky we are that you found them.
What is the keeper supposed to be?
Thank God you guys found them and that they have a safe and loving home now. You all were meant to be together.
Jenni & Jeff-
Vika is a strong little girl!
That fact that she said something like that as matter of factly as she did, just goes to show that you talk about it at home in the same way. That is a huge testament to what kind of parents you guys are...EXCELLENT ones for sure!!
:)
Katie -Things have changed a lot - hopefully for the better.
Melissa - the "keepers" are supposed to be the mamachkas (baby home workers). I don't like the term very much because it sounds like someone who works at a zoo. Vika and Eamon think it means the people who "keep the kids safe." That just seems like a nicer interpretation.
Thanks for the kinds words Kathy and Jeff! :) And Jeff, as for us being excellent parents, we had great role models with you and Liz!
This was so interesting. I may pick your brain on how to broach the subject of adoption with seamonkey. I'm not sure how or when to start.
Well, she doesn't seem to be too bothered by it, which is good...I'm so glad they have such a great life now!!
Of yes, my kids are very matter of fact about such things too. And why not? It's the only reality they know.