Readers share feedback about articles published in the May 2017 issue of Adoptive Families magazine.
Adoption at the Movies
Films with adoption or foster care storylines, or with themes of separation, identity, or belonging, can spark tough, must-have conversations with your children. Ready to start watching—and talking? Start with one of these recommendations.
Dolls and Toys for Our Families
We asked readers, “Have you found any dolls or other toys that reflect your child’s race and/or birth culture that you would specifically recommend?” Here are the top picks.
“Letting the 13-Year-Old Drive”
How do you empower a child entering his teen years in a state of defeat, powerlessness, and utter self-disregard? You give him a key and tell him to take off!
“A Balanced View of Adoption”
With such a spectrum of opinions about adoption, it’s hard to know if we talk about it too much, or not enough, and in the right way. But watching my son navigate adoption comments at school reassured me of his comfort with it.
Ask AF: Our First Visit with Our Child’s Birth Parents
A mother is nervous about the upcoming first birth family visit, wondering what it will be like, how to react if she or the birth mother get upset. Parents in open adoptions offer advice.
Packing a School Lunch Your Picky Eater Will Devour
Picky eating is common in children—and as a parent, it’s probably driving you crazy. Here, simple strategies (like using a cookie cutter!) help make sure your child gets enough to eat.
Ask AF: My Child Said He Loves His Birth Mother More
"My six-year-old has been asking a lot of new questions about adoption and his birth mother. He's also told us that he loves her more than he loves us. How should we respond?"
Parent-to-Parent: My Best Advice to Myself
Adoptive parents share the best adoption advice they would give themselves if they could go back five years, whether that would take them back to the adoption process or the early days of parenting.
News Brief: Ethiopia Adoption Suspension Still in Effect
Learn the latest on the Ethiopia suspension of intercountry adoptions.
News Brief: Texas Likely to Pass “Religious Refusal” Bill
Texas's Senate passed a bill that would allow publicly funded foster and adoption agencies to refuse to place children in homes that don't align with an agency's religious beliefs.
“Loving My Daughter, A Country Apart”
I didn't travel to meet my new daughter. But nothing could stop me from becoming Maura's mommy.
“Did You Want to Keep Me?”
Faced with a young daughter's despair, a mother realizes her child must reconnect with the past.
“Should We Tell Our Son’s Teacher That He Was Adopted?”
Families share their experiences with school and adoption issues.
Sometimes Making Friends Takes Practice
Some children seem to know the rules naturally, others need a little help.
Share Your Story: Adopting a Child of a Different Race
We asked AF readers to tell us about their experiences with transracial adoption.
“Teaching My Son to Protect Himself in a Racist World”
As parents, we live in constant tension: How thoroughly should we prepare our kids for the ugliness that exists in the world? For my son's safety, I can't afford to be vague when it comes to racism.
“Families Like Us”
My wife and I may not match our kids, but we found a group where we all fit in.
Share Your Story: Transracial Parenting
We asked readers what tips, resources, experiences they had to say about transracial parenting. Here, we share their responses.
Leaving Mom Behind
"Mom, just drop us off at the corner!"