Embracing your child's racial identity means embracing his friends, too.
Answering Kids’ Big Questions About Birth Parents
Between the ages of six and eight, children begin to ask more sophisticated questions about adoption. Here are some ways to respond.
[Book Excerpt]: Lucky Girl
In this excerpt from her memoir, Lucky Girl, Meiling Hopgood describes her initial rejection of "looking Asian" growing up in mostly-White rural Michigan, and how she learned to embrace her Chinese heritage.
When Should My Child Be Vaccinated?
The truth about vaccinations for infants, and how to protect your child.
Domestic Adoption Travel 101
Tips for — and from — domestic adoptive parents on preparing for the emotional journey to meet your child.
What Should We Include In Our Contact Agreement?
We've been selected by a birth mom who is due in two months. Our attorney advised us to draw up a contact agreement prior to the birth. What should we include?
Ask AF: Tweens and Teasing
My middle schoolers often get teased about the way they look or the fact that they were adopted. What can they say to the teasers?
Ask AF: Balancing a Biracial Heritage
Answers to your parenting questions.
Ask AF: Explaining Foster Reunification
How can we explain to our four-year-old that the baby we've been fostering will be going back to his birth family?
Ask AF: Privacy About Adoption at School
My child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) mentions the fact that he was adopted. Why would this be included? I asked that it be purged from his record, but the school hasn't responded.
“All Together Now”
For 15 years and counting, my adoptive-moms group has provided a vital source of support for me — and my daughter.
Real Parents Provide Discipline
Setting limits can be tough for parents–but it's important to discipline our children anyway.
Book Excerpt: The Mercy Rule
Read an excerpt from Perri Klass' new novel about a pediatrician who grew up in foster care — and now works with similar at-risk patients.
Learning About Prenatal Drug Exposure
"The baby we're adopting may have been exposed to drugs in utero. What does this mean for our child?"
[Book Review] Ten Days and Nine Nights: An Adoption Story
Roberta Rosenberg reviews Ten Days and Nine Nights: An Adoption Story, by Yumi Heo, a children's book about a child waiting for her new sibling's arrival.
[Book Review] Parenting Adopted Adolescents: Understanding and Appreciating Their Journeys
Debbie Riley reviews Parenting Adopted Adolescents, a book by Gregory Keck, Ph.D. about the challenges and delights of raising a teen adoptee.
“Talking About Adoption…at the Grocery Store”
Young children rarely make appointments to talk about adoption, as I've found while playing with dolls, caught in gridlock, at the museum...
“The Rhythm of Our Lives”
While looking to connect with our children's culture, we found the beat of the djembe drum would become a comforting family melody.
Be an Adoption Ambassador
As you well know, after becoming a parent, you'll also take on the role of adoption ambassador, fielding questions from and encouraging would-be adopters. We've compiled the responses and back-up data that will set you up for the task.
When Your Older Child Comes Home
We're about to adopt a seven-year-old. Does he have to start school right away? What about medical care? What can wait until we've bonded?