In many families, relationships come without exact names. While adoption highlighted this truth, it was already a given in my family—and maybe in yours, too?
Letters to the Editor, RE: November 2016
Readers share feedback about articles from the November 2016 issue of Adoptive Families magazine.
Finding Belonging in Pictures
After adopting older children, these parents found that maintaining a family photo album was a useful tool to encourage bonding.
Conscience Development in Preschoolers
Many children in foster care have delays in conscience development. A few have no conscience. It is important that parents understand conscience development and identify ways to facilitate growth in this area.
“The Longest Mile”
"It's been almost five months and my husband and I are still in labor. The pregnancy was even longer—twelve months. When will this baby come, we ask ourselves."
2016 Cover Photo Contest Winners
Congratulations to the winners of the 2016 Adoptive Families Cover Photo Contest! See the nine photos selected from more than 1,000 entries, and read stories from the proud parents.
“Front Porch Children”
Being a foster parent is not for the faint of heart. Your heart swells, loves, breaks, and heals with each placement—and it is all, every moment of it, worth it.
Letters to the Editor, RE: October 2016
Readers share feedback about articles from the October 2016 issue of Adoptive Families magazine.
“Logging On for Love”
Many of us wonder if the Internet is the adoption wave of the future. Here's one family's story.
“For the Love of My Child”
When Elizabeth was young, closed adoption was comfortable. But my outlook changed the day my teenage daughter said, "I want to find them."
“My Child, Myself”
What do we teach our children, and what are the born knowing?
Letters to the Editor, RE: September 2016
RE: “Rethinking the Family Tree and Other Tough Assignments” This article was an excellent reminder to provide other options for all students when completing school assignments about families (so as not to draw attention to something that might be a sensitive topic). I’ve had students write about who is in their family and who is<a href="https://www.adoptivefamilies.com/resources/letters-to-the-editor-re-september-2016/" title="Read more" >...a>
When Should You Schedule Surgery?
You may want to postpone elective surgery until your child has been home for four to six months.
Listen to the Children
A callous foster care system deprived her of parents and siblings and gave precious little in return.
[Book Review] Counting By 7s
Willow Chance, adopted transracially as an infant, has mastered several different languages and diagnostic medical texts by age 12.
“Growing Up”
Five years ago, I walked my daughter to her first day of school. We've both evolved in many ways since that morning, and more adventures surely lie ahead.
[Book Review] To the End of June
"Cris Beam’s book about the U.S. foster care system, is important, insightful, and depressing. "
“Second Child, Second Thoughts?”
"I began to understand what Bianca was going through. She wasn't sure she was ready for a baby sister yet. Was I?"
Off to Preschool!
As kids meet new friends—and their families—they face new questions about their past.
“Someone to Count On”
Four years ago, I legally became a mother. The adoption day was no less special because I had already been parenting Danielle for 15 months. On that day, I truly claimed my daughter. No one could take her away.