Michelle Johnson, 38, adopted by white parents and raised in suburban Minneapolis, recently spoke with AF about her experiences.
Why Girls with ADHD Go Undiagnosed
ADHD is not a male disorder, and yet "most people have the misperception that it's a disorder of hyperactive elementary school-aged boys," says Patricia Quinn, M.D., a developmental pediatrician and director of the National Center for Gender Issues and ADHD in Washington, D.C. So why are girls diagnosed so much later than boys, if at all?
What’s the Deal with DNA Testing?
As genetic testing continues to make headlines, more parents are wondering whether a simple cheek swab can teach them something about their child. We help you sort the facts from the hype.
What You Need To Know To Breastfeed Your Baby
Few adoptive mothers will tell you that nursing is easy, but almost all will say it's worth the effort.
Parent-to-Parent: Sleep Problems
We asked our readers, "What sleep problems did you encounter after you adopted your child, and how did you handle them?" Here's what they said.
Creating a History for Your Teen During Infancy
What we record now about our child will help him or her later in the difficult teen task of forging a positive identity.
The Diaper Wars
There's no one best diaper for baby. Just choose the one that suits your style.
Finding Black Role Models For My Children
Seeking and being embraced by members of the black community made me realize how much I need them to successfully raise my daughters.
The Joy of Giving Back
Many of us start out thinking we are simply adding a child to our life. But for the families featured here, the immeasurable joy they found through adoption inspired them to serve needs even greater than their own.
“American-Indian, Indian-American”
American by birth, Indian by virtue of being raised by us, the hyphen may define my twins more than either of the terms throughout their lives.
“My Christmas Dream Come True”
When I bought the ornament, I imagined hanging it on the tree with the child I was carrying. But after I miscarried, I packed it away for years.
23 Adoption Charities for Year-End Giving
Readers and the editors of Adoptive Families nominated worthy adoption charities to consider for a year-end donation.
“Finally, Our Turn!”
First-time parent at 41? If this is my mid-life crisis, I couldn't have hoped for a sweeter one.
Learning to Listen with Auditory Integration Training
A child who has trouble with speech and language may actually be overwhelmed by sound. Auditory training, though controversial, may help.
“Thankfully, My Son’s Personality Didn’t Come from Me”
When people have kids, they are often hoping their child will be just like them. In our case, we're happy our son has beautiful characteristics that are all his own.
“Mr. Tooth Fairy”
We had known about this tooth for many years, before we even met our daughter.
“We’ve Always Done It That Way”
The uncharted journey of our first Christmas together etched a road of new, heart-warming traditions.
News Brief: Study Finds Counseling for Expectant Mothers Lacking
Expectant mothers considering adoption don't receive adequate options counseling, finds a new Donaldson Adoption Institute study that surveyed 223 birth mothers.
Early Intervention: Spotting Problems in Your Child’s Development
If your baby or toddler isnt hitting developmental milestones, help is here—at little or no cost—thanks to Early Intervention services nationwide.
Bringing Up Adoption at School
Advice for parents from parents on how to navigate explaining adoption to the classroom during back to school season, and beyond!