More might be merrier, but the family dynamic is sure to change.
Book Review: Kids, Parents, And Power Struggles: Winning For A Lifetime
This straightforward book is perfect for helping parents avoid emotional warfare.
Book Review: The Safe Baby
The Safe Baby is an easy-to-follow resource that will give busy parents — adoptive or otherwise — peace of mind.
Ask AF: Just Found Out That My Child Is Friends with His Birth Mother on Facebook
“I recently found out that my teen is friends with his birth mother on Facebook. I feel badly that I found this out by ‘snooping,’ but I am also shocked and upset that she didn’t try to contact us or the adoption agency first. What should we do?”
Promoting Adoption Awareness at School
As parents, how can you help make sure that your child and all the students at her school feel included and supported? Educate teachers about the five As!
Ask AF: Our Only Child Is Asking for a Sibling
An adoptive parent wonders how to respond to an only child who keeps asking for a sibling. Real parents share their advice and stories.
Parent-to-Parent: “Do You Talk with the Teacher About Adoption?”
Do you tell the teacher that your child was adopted at the start of a new school year? See parents’ answers.
The Literal Child
In their “black and white” world, how do children handle the grays of adoption?
The “P” Word
How to survive an early fascination with the birds and the bees.
Helping Teens with Transitions
Avoid sit down lectures and look for teachable moments to get your teen to open up.
How to Talk About “Dad” in Single Mother Families
Single-parent homes are more common now, but kids still grapple with the daddy question.
“How We Created My Son’s Unique Family Tree”
The family tree project can be a particularly tricky one for kids who are adopted. Here’s how one family tackled the assignment.
Helping Preteens Build a Life Story
As preteens strive to define themselves, they must work adoption into the story.
When Teens Want to Search for Birth Parents
Part of how teens form identity is by finding ways they are alike and different from their family. They may want to search for their genetic relatives to figuring out who they are and how to emotionally put pieces in place.
Navigating the Teen Years, Part 2: Maintaining Your Emotional Connection
Teens don’t tend to talk with their friends about their feelings about being adopted, being teased, or other tough topics. But if you have a healthy, trusting relationship, they’ll open up to you. An adoption therapist advises on maintaining an empathic connection with your teen.
Ask AF: Family Interactions After Kinship Adoption
“We are adopting my sister-in-law’s teenage son after fostering him for five years. What can I say to her at family gatherings, to family who still don’t get that we’ll be his legal parents—and to my son, who hears all of this?”
When Parents Divorce
The breakup of a family can be especially hard for adopted teens. Here’s why.
Letting Teens Take the Reins
As teen’s desire more control over their lives, they want to be the decision-makers in determining contact with birth family.
Connect with Your Teen at Family Movie Night
Can’t get your teen to talk? Rent a movie.
Does Your Teen Fear Going to College?
Help your teen adoptee overcome fear of leaving home with this advice.