"After years of seeming OK about being adopted, my teenage daughter has become sad and angry about it recently. How can I help her deal with her new emotions?"
News Brief: Call to Submit All Outstanding Post-Adoption Reports
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has designated May 15, 2017 "Post-Adoption Report Day" and issued a call for families that adopted internationally to submit any missing reports to their children's countries of origin.
“My Single Mother’s Legacy”
A cry in the night reminds one mother how much families have changed and how much love stays the same.
When Shady Neighbors Come to Call
When potential neighbors were looking at the house for sale next door, this mom of a biracial child mas mainly worried they wouldn't be friendly or would paint their house purple — until race came up.
When My Parents Divorced
A woman shares the story of her adoptive parents' divorce.
How Will We Teach Our Child About Her Culture?
Even after twenty years, adoptive families are still grappling with some of the same issues and questions about raising their children in an interracial family.
“And Baby Makes Three”
A single mom's decision to adopt a second time.
Hosting an Exchange Student
Yuka didnt teach us Chinese language, traditions, or cooking. What she did provide, however, was an excellent role model.
Dealing with the Unwanted Spotlight
When children enter a family as older children or teens, or even when older children who are adopted move from one school setting to another, some of the ordinary issues of school life can become complicated for them.
Confronting Stereotypes and Prejudice About Adoption
"Adopted Teen Arrested," the newspaper headline reads (never "Birth Teen Arrested"). Is this just another example of sensationalism by the media or do adopted teens get into more trouble than their non-adopted peers?
Share Your Story: Who Helped With Your Adoption?
We asked AF readers: Did anyone help you with your adoption? Whether it was an adoption agency or attorney or other adoption professional, we want to know how you chose the people who helped you adopt.
Share Your Story: Naming Adoptive Children
In "Naming Madison", Dawn Friedman argued in favor of keeping her daughter's birth name. We asked our readers: Should adoptive parents choose their child's name?
Share Your Story: Was It Fate?
We asked our readers: Do you believe your child was destined for your family? Or does fate have nothing to do with it? Here are your stories.
Making the Decision to Grow Your Family Through Adoption
Have you been wondering whether to bring a second (or third) child into your home? An adoption social worker helps parents contemplating adoption to unpack their motivations and make the decision with eyes wide open.
When Relatives Hold Dated Views About Adoption
"I need help dealing with unsupportive relatives who seem to think 'adoption' is a dirty word. How can I talk with them about adoption?"
Keeping Your Spirits Up During the Wait
From doing "lasts" as a couple to cleaning out closets and drawers to writing in a journal to their child-to-be, parents share how they remained positive during a long or uncertain wait to adopt.
News Brief: Documenting Citizenship for Adopted Children
In response to an increase in inquiries about the citizenship status for international adoptees, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) has released an adoption notice about obtaining or documenting citizenship.
News Brief: Financial and Social Pressure and Lack of Support Factor Into Expectant Mothers’ Decisions
Expectant mothers who chose adoption most commonly cited financial pressure, social stigma, and a lack of support before and after placement in interviews with the Donaldson Adoption Institute.
One Partner Wants to Nest, the Other Wants to Wait
A hopeful adoptive mother who's just started the adoption wait is ready to nest and get the baby's room ready—but her husband wants to wait. Parents who have been there offer advice.
“Awake at Last”
Sometimes love comes easy. Other times, it must be earned. This is the story of how I let go of my preconceived ideas about bonding and motherhood and became brave enough to trust my heart.