AF’s editors review The Boy Who Built a Wall Around Himself, a story to help teach adoptive children that it’s OK to let their defenses down and trust.
Ask AF: Considering Disruption
Answers to your parenting questions.
“Here’s How You Can Support Us”
We may tell you that we are OK when we’re really falling apart. We’re worried that, if we are honest about how difficult parenting through the transition is, you won’t understand and that you’ll think we’re nuts.
Webinar Replay – Parenting the Hurt Child
View the replay of the “Parenting the Hurt Child” webinar. Regina M. Kupecky, LSW, guides parents in understanding a newly adopted older child’s behavior and discuss what will work (and what to avoid) to help him heal and attach.
“Our Love Stayed with Him”
As foster parents, you hope that the love and security you offer will stay in a child’s heart. When we reconnected with a boy we fostered through two reunifications 14 years ago, we found that it had.
“My 10-Year-Old Nephew’s Adoption Day”
Seventeen of us crowded into the court as witnesses to my nephew’s finalization, bringing an end to 10 years spent in foster care—10 years of waiting for this day.
Older Child Adoption — Becoming a Family
In this collection, adoptive parents share their experiences of parenting older children they’ve adopted and offer wisdom on that initial adjustment period.
“Bonding with My Daughters Over Pink Nail Polish”
My first 19 years of parenting were spent learning the scientific names of dinosaurs and organizing a bug collection. Was I ready to parent preteen girls?
“Pocket Rocks”
A mother shares the story of her daughter’s growth (who was once deemed “too small to fight for her needs”) at summer camp.
“Overcoming Malnutrition with Pizza, Pasta, and ‘Dabo'”
How a cooking-impaired mom managed a happy Thanksgiving.
“Deciding to Adopt Older Siblings from Foster Care”
At first, we envisioned welcoming a baby into our home. But we soon discovered that adopting older children was right for us.
“Taking Moms for Granted”
We try to teach our daughter Mariah gratitude. But I know we’re doing something right when she takes us for granted.
“A Hat Just Like Dad’s”
In our newly created transracial family, my husband’s and son’s matching blue hats was a tangible link. Something that said: We belong together.
Ask AF: Fear of Bath Time
Answers to your parenting questions.
“Upon a Star”
The movie Pinocchio resonates in the heart of our adopted daughter, Emma.
“Three Little Words on My Adoption Day”
A decade of disappointing foster care placements made me doubt the two people who had taken me into their hearts.
Healing from Food Insecurity
If your child is prone to overeating or hoarding food, help her move past her food insecurity with these tips.
“Helping Our Tumbleweed Feel at Home”
How do you convince a child who’s lived in eight different homes to put down roots in yours?
Wanted: Teens
Adopt an adolescent? People do, all the time.
“I Am Not My Face”
We’d been prepared to help our new daughter deal with stares and questions about her disfigurement. Instead, she taught us a powerful lesson in courage.