An adopted child may imagine life with her birth parents as “the road not taken.” Parents should share what they know and support exploration.
“Finding Her Voice After Eight Years Without a First Language”
Since adopting a deaf older child from China, it’s been my privilege to become her interpreter, her voice, her audience, and her mom.
“Becoming His Sister’s Guiding Light”
One year after adopting an infant girl, we adopted a “special needs” child with a cleft lip and palate. Ever since his sister was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, he’s become her guiding light.
All Grown Up
A parent’s role changes when a teen leaves the nest. Here’s how to start relating to your child as a young adult, and reinforce your bond.
Getting the Grandparents on Board
Their grandparents’ love secures our children a place in the family. Here’s how to teach the older generation about adoption.
Encouraging Healthy Eating Habits
Now is the time to instill healthy eating habits, in meal choices and snack practices.
Creating a Personal Adoption Storybook for Your Preschooler
Telling your child’s story in book form can cement his sense of belonging in your family and boost his self-esteem.
Kids May Worry About Their Birth Parents After a Natural Disaster
Here’s how to help your child regain her sense of security when current events trigger hidden fears.
Preparing Siblings for an Older-Child Adoption
We’ve decided to adopt an older child. We have two children now, and we’re wondering how best to integrate our new child into the family. What’s your advice?
Single Parents: Balancing Work, Fun, and Family
How can single parents find the time to get everything done without feeling overwhelmed?
Answering The Daddy Question
When children ask about a “missing spouse,” how should single parents answer?
What Parents Need to Know About Puberty and Adoption
Is it true that girls adopted at a later age may begin puberty early? Our daughter was six when she arrived. What should we watch for in the years to come?
“Mother’s Day Chocolate”
In one life-changing day, I became a mom. But I took time to savor the sweetness of a dream coming true.
“My Son Who Refused to Give Up”
A doctor predicted our son, who has spina bifida, would never walk. But Mark has shown us what perseverance — and a keen passion — can do.
The Role of Genes on Personality
It’s easy to associate your child’s soaring height or freckles with a birth parent, but what about his straight A’s in science or his rosy outlook on life?
Creating a Support Network
I just came home with my new baby and I’m already feeling overwhelmed. How am I supposed to do all of this by myself?
“Pushing Past My Fears to Become a Single Mother”
A recent “adventure vacation” I took with my daughter brought back memories of the scariest leap of all — becoming a single mom.
Ask AF: Academic Difficulties
Answers to your parenting questions.
“I Have a Birth Mom, Too” – How Children Can Explain Open Adoption to Friends
Answers to your parenting questions.
Open Adoption and the Family Tree Assignment
Your child was just assigned the family tree in school. What now?