A homeland trip can help kids connect "where I come from" to "where I'm going." Having traveled with thousands of adoptive families, I'm delighted to share my thoughts on the impact of homeland travel on identity formation.
“Black, White, and the Cornrow in Between”
While it might have been “just hair” to me, the emotions were far more tangled for them, with roots deep into the history of oppression between our two peoples.
Supporting Your Teen’s Developing Identity
Questions from their peers get more complicated for our teens—and their peers' questions may reflect their own worries about adoption.
Alleviating Adoptee Stress at School
Every Sunday evening, at the Gordon house, 10-year-old Kelly began complaining about something. Her pains ranged from stomachaches to sore throats. She said she felt too unwell to go to school the next day.
“Thankfully, My Son’s Personality Didn’t Come from Me”
When people have kids, they are often hoping their child will be just like them. In our case, we're happy our son has beautiful characteristics that are all his own.
Bringing Up Adoption at School
Advice for parents from parents on how to navigate explaining adoption to the classroom during back to school season, and beyond!
“The Stages of Waiting”
Are all the bewildering ups and downs I've experienced during our wait typical of the international adoption process?
A Growing Awareness
Between the ages of nine and 12, children register the meaning of adoption–and this can bring harder questions and more complex emotions. AF takes a look at what's going on in the minds of preteens, and offers advice for talking with them.
“True Love, Times Two”
I used to wonder whether my love for my son would be more intense if I'd given birth to him. Having a biological child validated the depth of my feelings the first time around.
Visiting with Birth Parents
When we adopted our son three years ago, our relationship with his birth mother was semi-open (letters, phone calls). Since then it has grown more open, and we're discussing a visit. Any advice?
Ask AF: Kids’ Adoption Books to Donate
Answers to your parenting questions.
Ask AF: Opening Contact
"We recently learned that our son's birth mother is having health problems. How do we tell him, and how can we ask for more contact?'
Ask AF: When Bonding Takes Time
Answers to your parenting questions.
Ask AF: Wishing She Looked Like Mom
Answers to your parenting questions.
Big-Kid School
If your child is off to preschool or kindergarten for the first time, you can ease her entry to the wider world outside your home.
“My Hot Rollers, My Daughter, Myself”
I've always had my own issues with hair. But when my daughter came along, my perceptions had to change.
[Book Review] Beyond Consequences, Logic, and Control, Volume 2
By Heather T. Forbes (Beyond Consequences Institute; $20)
Single Parents: Balancing Work, Fun, and Family
How can single parents find the time to get everything done without feeling overwhelmed?
“When the Babysitter is…the Birth Mom!”
Though I'm indisputably my daughter's mom, the time she spends with her birth mother seems to offer something I can't.