"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.
“What If?”
What if I don’t love this child the same as I love the others? This question is probably every pre-adoptive parent’s most secret worry. Here are the words that reassured me.
Share Your Story: Domestic Adoption and Attachment
We asked our readers: Before your adoption, were you concerned about bonding with your baby? After your newborn came home, what parenting techniques did you practice that enhanced attachment?
Privacy, Please!
Surprised by your grade-schoolers sudden need for personal space? Don't be. It's normal.
Music, Food, and Love!
One foster-turned-adoptive-mother shares how cooking brings her family together.
Letters to the Editor, RE: February 2017
Readers share feedback about articles from the February 2017 issue of Adoptive Families magazine.
Ten Questions to Ask Pediatricians
When you're in the process of adopting an infant, there are things you should know about your potential pediatrician. Start with these top queries.
First Aid Kit Essentials
One thing about parenthood is practically guaranteed. If your new baby gets sick, it will be in the middle of the night...in a snowstorm. Be prepared with these must-have items.
When “What Should I Wear?” Gets More Complicated
Negotiate a set of fashion "dos" both you and your daughter can live with.
Dealing with Loss of a Grandparent
Often, the loss of a grandparent will be your child's first experience with death. If a child is close to her grandparent, the loss will be that much harder.