The day my mother met my birth mother.
How We Decided
No one adoption route is right for every family. AF readers describe the thinking that went behind the route they chose.
“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.
“Selecting My Egg Donor”
How do you choose the person you want to make babies with? Everyone has her priorities; these are mine.
“My Clutter, Myself”
Visitors to our apartment might see a mess, but I see the stories that bound me irretrievably to my daughter. Most of the time.
Supporting Your Child Through Grief
Our children rely on us to guide them through saying goodbye.
“Redefining Perfect”
After giving birth to a boy and a girl, I had what other people defined as a "million dollar family." A few years later, family and friends questioned our decision to adopt two older children, out of birth order, when we had the "perfect" family.
Mortifying Moms
You used to be the coolest mom on the block–at least in the mind of your kid. Now she rolls her eyes at everything you do. What's up?
Listen Up!
Does your preschooler have a speech or language delay? Here's how to find out — and get help.
Helping Your Child with Peer Exclusion
Parents cannot prevent their child from experiencing exclusion or feeling "different" from time to time. You can, however, lessen the negative effects of this common occurrence during the preteen years.
Love Sees in Color
About a decade ago it was popular to say, “Love sees no color. I really don’t see that my kids are different.” I’m hoping we’ve moved away from that, because it’s just not true. We all notice differences, and, if we say we can’t, we’re denying something.
“Our First Choice”
I always knew I wanted to grow my family through adoption.
“The Whole Journey”
When our son’s birth mother was making that painful decision — raise a child or finish high school — we were the family she chose. So when she invited us to her graduation, nothing could stop us.
Bringing Up Birth Siblings
Our daughter has birth siblings she doesn't know about, but we don't know how to tell her.
Question Confidence
Other kids are going to ask about it — so prepare your preschooler for questions about adoption.
New Kid on the Block
Adding to your family again? Ease the transition for your preschooler by being prepared for new-sibling anxiety.
Countdown to Summer
With vacation time approaching, many of us are wondering how we can use the time to celebrate adoption. What are your family's plans?
“I Just Don’t Fit In”
Tween adoptees may walk away from their cultural heritage, family outings, and even their family as they try to fit in with peers.
Is Your Child Resilient?
We asked, you answered! How adaptable is your child?
“Positive” Stereotypes
Our daughter, adopted from China, isn't getting the help she needs in math class. What can we do?