Want to strengthen your teen's sense of belonging? Make family meals mandatory.
Searching for Answers…with Google?
The Internet requires a cautious approach when teens are looking for answers about adoption.
News Brief: China Announces Changes to Its International Adoption Requirements
In July 2017, China announced updated requirements regarding the composition of the prospective adoptive family and the timing of applications.
“How Do I Fit Into My Family?”
As your teen heads toward adulthood, she'll strive to discover who she is.
Parent-to-Parent: Explaining Attention and Questions from Strangers
When you and your child don't look alike, the world wants to know why. Parents who adopted transracially share how they explain strangers' questions and comments to their children.
Ask AF: Sharing Painful Birth Parent News with My Child
"I just discovered that my daughter's birth mother died. My daughter is a preteen and rarely asks about her birth parents. Should I tell her this now, or wait? And, if so, how do I bring it up?"
Ask AF: My Husband Wants to Keep Adoption “Secret”
"My husband was advised that some adoptive parents 'hide' the adoption process and feign pregnancy on social media for friends and extended family. Has anyone done this?"
When Classmates Ask
How can you help your child answer adoption questions with confidence—and handle any queries that come your way?
Russian Adoption: A Brief History & What’s Behind the Current Media Attention
What ended Russia’s intercountry adoption program with the U.S. in 2013 and why is it generating political heat again?
When Boys are Bullies and Girls Are Mean
If your child is the giver or receiver of unkind behavior, read on.
“I’m an Adoptee and Adoptive Parent”
My daughters and I have something important in common. We share the experience of joining a family through adoption.
“When the Heart Won’t Wait”
Desperate to be with her newborn son, one mother packs up her family and heads to Guatemala to foster him.
Summer Heritage Guide: If You Have a Weekend or Less
Great heritage ideas that dont require plane ticketsor even a full tank of gas.
Stepping Back at School
As your child progresses through elementary school, she should take more responsibility for handling tricky assignments. Here's how to hand off the reins.
Exploring Family Roots at School
The family tree assignment is a perfect opportunity to answer your child's questions about adoption.
Your First Meeting with an Expectant Mother
For prospective adoptive parents hoping to meet an expectant mother, few situations are more anxiety-inducing than their first encounter. Whether you plan to meet in person or over the phone, knowing ahead of time what questions to ask-and not ask-can reduce your anxiety and help you make the most of this opportunity to obtain information.
“Which Baby Gift Registry is Best?”
Readers share their registry experiences—and tell us which companies have adoption-friendly options.
Writing Your “Dear Expectant Mother” Letter
Keep in mind that your goal is to connect with the right expectant mother for you. Successful adoptions occur when prospective adoptive parents and birth parents make a strong pre-birth connection. So, resist making yourself into something you're not.
Adoption Through a Child’s Eyes
By tuning in to what children understand about adoption at different ages, our talks become richer, more intimate, and ultimately more effective.
How Preteens Can Answer Prying Questions at School
How to help your middle schooler cope with curious peers.