The decision to disrupt an adoption is agonizing. But if it’s been made, we must focus on the child’s best interests rather than on placing blame, say families and experts.
“The Baby Who Never Cried”
Our newly adopted baby didn’t like to cuddle, and, when needed us, he either banged his head on the floor or screamed at the top of his lungs.
When Temper Tantrums Become a Way of Life
Parents must find a way to enjoy time with their child before they can end defiant behavior.
“Our Dog Helped My Daughter Realize Family Is Forever”
Hugging our new dog, my daughter learns that no matter what the behavior, our family is forever.
Transitioning Your Child to Solids
How soon after adopting can you transition your child from liquids to solid foods?
Ask AF: Older Child Adjustment
The older child we’re adopting is coming to us after seven years of foster care in another country. How can we make the transition easier?
“Guarding Tess” — A Father’s Story
I learned that the ultimate gift of love comes not from the receiver, but from the giver.
When You and Your Baby Don’t Speak the Same Language
Have you been hit by the terrible twos? Sign language can be a great way to help your child communicate their needs before they can speak.
Feeding 101
Feeding is about more than just nutrition! Here, answers to all your feeding questions.
“The Final Step”
A mother is surprised at her tears when, standing in a courtroom, that last bit of red tape comes unstuck.
Ask AF: Keeping Attachment Strong After Returning to Work
When returning to work becomes a necessity, some parents worry about maintaining their attachment with their newly adopted child. Holly van Gulden offers advice (and reassurance).
Ask AF: Alleviating Sibling Rivalry
“Our three-year-old daughter still has not adjusted to our new son, two, who came home a few months ago. She was expecting a ‘baby,’ not someone who is already walking, talking, and taking attention away from her — and she’s been taking it out on him. Help!”
Ask AF: Time to Bond
When you finally bring your baby home, your family will probably be very excited to meet her. Mary Ann Curran suggests ways to explain the bonding cycle to them and gently request time to be alone.
When One Parent Is Rejected
A newly adopted toddler may ignore or even push away one parent. Here’s how to cope and earn his trust.
After the Bliss
For many adoptive moms, post-baby depression is a real and painful ordeal. Shelley Page reports why it happens and how to feel better.
Ask AF: Breast Milk or Formula
Answers to your parenting questions.
Ask AF: Building Trust
Answers to your parenting questions.
“Bonding with My Daughter Through Song”
When I vowed that my child would get as many bedtime songs as she wanted, I hadn’t counted on this particular child’s determination.
Ask AF: Erratic Eating Habits
Diana Schwab, M.Ed., LSW, answers a question about inconsistent eating habits, which are fairly common in adopted children who have spent time in institutional care.
Going Back to Work
AF readers find creative ways to balance career and family. In this special report, we share some of their best advice.