When the mundane tasks required for our dossier get complicated, each one we complete feels like a mini-victory—and reminds me of how much I want to be a dad.
“What is Adoption?”
When your child's classmates have questions, you can provide the answers.
The Birth Parent Perspective: Stats and Chart
A study, the Early Growth and Development Study, is shedding light on open adoption attitudes and outcomes. Here are some basic findings, as well as AF poll results on families' open adoption experiences.
The Benefits of Reading to Your Child
It's never too early to introduce your child to the benefits—and joys—of books.
Honoring Different Talents and Skills Among Siblings
Each of your children has his own talents and abilities. How do you play fair?
“Growing Up”
Five years ago, I walked my daughter to her first day of school. We've both evolved in many ways since that morning, and more adventures surely lie ahead.
Off to Preschool!
As kids meet new friends—and their families—they face new questions about their past.
Helping Your Teen Survive Cliques
Sometimes teens feel left out of the in crowd. Here's how to help.
“Seeing My Daughter’s ‘Happily Ever After'”
My daughter, Rubie, has the kind of life I'd dreamed of for her, and is where she belongs. I only wish I had known that sooner.
The Birth Parent Perspective
A major study reveals that open adoption works well for everyone involved. Hear what families say is good about the process — and what could be better.
Ask AF: Sibling Adjustment
Our 16-month-old has been home for about a month now, and our three-year-old (who was also adopted) still sees his little brother as Public Enemy #1. Will this get better? What should we do?
Ask AF: Are Pets Problematic?
We have a cat and a dog. Will this pose a problem for our home study–or after we bring our child home?
Ask AF: Reluctant About Birth Parent Contact
How to create safe contact with birth parents who have a history of drug use.
Ask AF: Tummy Talk
My child is starting to talk about tummies. What is going on here?
Responding to Assumptions About Culture
Children at my daughter's school assume she speaks Spanish, even though she was raised in an English-speaking family. What can we do?
Bringing Culture to the Classroom
A little culture can go a long way in explaining adoption.
Explaining Adoption in the Classroom
AF readers share their tips and tricks for bring adoption to their kids' classrooms.
Ask AF: Academic Difficulties
Answers to your parenting questions.
Feeling Guilt Over the Birth Mom’s Grief
"Many parents feel guilty because their joy is the direct result of a difficult decision by the birth mother — someone you may have grown to care about. So when a new adoptive mother sees the birth mother in intense pain, she asks herself, 'Was adoption really the right thing to do?'"
“Growing Up Feeling ‘Chosen'”
Children's understandings of and personal fantasies about their adoption stories may differ from what you tell them. My version saw my parents wandering the aisles of "Baby Market."
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