We asked our reader panel to describe the books they find most helpful to prospective adoptive parents. Here are some of their favorites.
The Best Adoption Books for Eager Readers
Now that your grade-schooler is reading on her own, she may rediscover some simple adoption books.
Capturing Our Favorite Family Photographs
We asked readers about your most treasured photos from your trips to the hospital or country where your children were born. Here are some of the most meaningful scenes and stories you shared from your adoption journeys.
“Adopting From Russia…Again?”
One thing led to another, and we became—unexpectedly—twice blessed.
10 Ways to Build Trust with Prospective Birth Parents
10 ways to show respect and build trust.
Webinar Replay: The Adoption Tax Credit
View the replay of the "Adoption Tax Credit Webinar" with Becky Wilmoth, EA, for an overview of the credit—what is covered, what is not, how the guidelines differ for families that adopt internationally vs. domestically or from U.S. foster care, and how and when to file for it.
Teens in Search of Romance
Families whose friendships cross racial lines send a clear message about whom their kids can date.
Alleviating Adoptee Stress at School
Every Sunday evening, at the Gordon house, 10-year-old Kelly began complaining about something. Her pains ranged from stomachaches to sore throats. She said she felt too unwell to go to school the next day.
How Did Your First Child React to the Arrival of a Second?
How did you work through sibling issues/rivalries at the time of the adoption and in subsequent years? How about instances in which one child receives more attention than another or silly questions? (Is that your "real" sister?) Our readers respond.
Searching for Family Resemblance
For a mom who was adopted as an infant, the realization that her children look like her takes on special meaning.
Sharing Our Children
"Adoptive families get to know their children for who they are, something that biological families usually don't do," says the author.
Bringing Birth Siblings Into Our Children’s Stories—and Lives
The vast majority of our children have birth siblings, yet parents may wonder how to approach the topic. Adoptive parents, birth parents, and adoptees share how they talk about biological siblings, and build brother-sister bonds.
“How I Deal with Nosy Questions”
Our daughter is not a public exhibit. She deserves to be protected from questions that undermine the legitimacy of our family.
“Where We All Belong”
When I was a teen, my parents decided to grow our family by adopting from foster care. How did it feel to suddenly gain four new brothers and sisters through adoption?
“The One Place I Thought I’d Fit In”
I'd expected to fit in at the adoptive parents' support group. At the first meeting, however, I found I was the only mom who'd adopted domestically, who looked like her child.
News Brief: New Jersey Unseals Adoption Records
A New Jersey law signed in 2014 went into effect on January 1, 2017, and adoptees in that state may now access their original birth certificates and other adoption records.
Ask AF: Should We Adopt Our Child’s Birth Siblings?
A mother of three seeks advice on adopting her child's birth siblings. She worries that her child will feel hurt if they don't, but also that they won't have the energy or resources to parent more children.
Ask AF: Roles and Titles in Kinship Adoption
"I adopted my grandson through a kinship adoption. He's now six and has recently begun calling me 'Mommy' and saying he was in my tummy. Is this OK, or do I need to reiterate that I'm his grandmother?"
Parent-to-Parent: My Favorite Adoption Memory
Adoptive parents and adoptees share their favorite adoption memories from the past year, including first Mother's Days, finalizing adoptions, and gaining access to open records.
“The Red Thread of Fate”
More than a decade ago, I was hopefully working my way toward an adoption from China. After a tragedy derailed my plans, I wound my way to family in an entirely different way.