Russian for the Adoptive Parent

I'm lucky - I've had some fabulous Russian teachers among the kids at Maria's Children, an arts rehabilitation center for orphans in Moscow. They've taught me all the different ways to say "wicked cool" (klass, kroota, preekolna, voa!), "boogers" (kaizafkee), and "butt" (popa), and delight in getting me to say said words in adult company.

Lacking their expert tutelage, what is the preadoptive parent to do? My personal favorite Russian phrasebook is The Rough Guide to Russian Phrasebook and Dictionary , which is a pocket-sized guide to pronunciation, phrases, and culture. I also whipped up a quick Arts Camp Russian Survival Guide for participants in our Maria's Children summer arts camp for Russian orphans. Beware (ostarozhna) - some of the above slang and more is to be found in this document, but then if you're squeamish about these things - hah! - welcome to parenthood ...

Parents have also liked Adopting from Russia, by Teresa Kelleher, an audio CD and handbook by a Russia adoptive parent. She also has RUSH Into English, a CD for Russian children 4-5 years and up to help them learn English.

Comments

[Debbie Erickson]

I traveled blind to adopt a baby from Kazakhstan. It was a wonderful experience. My daughter chose me. There really is no other way to describe it. My daughter is very healthy as are all the other children that were adopted during the 2.5 weeks that I was at the baby home. Her development is great in all areas.

[jane whitfield]

I have been matched with an 11 month baby boy from Moscow - he is adorable. His height is 70cms, head c is 44cm and his weight is 7.5 kilos. Is this very small? How many cms on average do these littel ones grow in their second year away from an Institution/being cared for and fed properly? I would be very grateful for your knowledge.