Between the ages of six and eight, children begin to ask more sophisticated questions about adoption. Here are some ways to respond.
“You Have to Be Perfect.” And Other Adoption Myths
Sometimes it's not just those unfamiliar with adoption who are misinformed.
Your Guide to Learning About Adoption Online
Make the most of your digital presence, and avoid scams or pitfalls with these six steps.
Post-Arrival Medical Evaluations
Your guide to identifying medical problems common to internationally adopted children.
Preparing Our Children to Talk About Race
When you form a transracial family, you must build in a system to combat racism.
Raising a Racially Ambiguous Child
We asked our reader panel: Have you ever been asked to explain your child's ethnic identity? How do you respond?
“Our Passage to India”
Traveling to our daughters' birth country allowed us to bond, both with their ethnic heritage and our fellow travelers.
“Looking for Answers in Guatemala”
When it came to locating our daughter's birth mother in Guatemala, we didn't know where to begin. But we knew that we had to try.
Deciding on a Second Child
More might be merrier, but the family dynamic is sure to change.
“Visiting Our Son’s Birth Country: The Land of Contrasts”
"Make the trip, you won't be sorry." Our journey to our son's birth country—and to visit his foster mother—was an exhilarating experience.
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.
Race Matters at Pact Camp
A summer heritage camp that's all about helping transracial families.
Book Review: Finding Miracles
This story of a teen adopted from Latin America tackles questions of identity, race, birth culture, and more.
News Brief: ACLU Sues Michigan for Allowing Discrimination Against LGBT Prospective Parents
The ACLU has filed a lawsuit against the state of Michigan for allowing state-funded adoption agencies to turn away qualified LGBT prospective parents.
“Can Black Children Wear Watermelons?”
Many symbols commonly found on children’s clothing connote racist stereotypes of black people. Knowing this, should transracial adoptive parents still dress their black children in onesies and shirts featuring monkeys, zebras, and watermelons?
Online Adoption Resources for Prospective Parents
Our recommendations for online adoption resources — from government sites to attorney directories — selected by the editors of Adoptive Families magazine.
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!
“Caught on Camera: Our Surprise Adoption Match”
Have you ever been at a baby shower where they play a home video of the mother-to-be surprising her partner with news of her pregnancy? As we grappled with infertility, my wife and I hated those videos, even as we desperately hoped for one of our own.