My daughter was eight years old in the referral photo we received during the international adoption process. That's the oldest photo she will ever have of herself.
Easing the Post-Adoption Adjustment
We're about to adopt a toddler. How can we ease his adjustment during our first weeks as a family?
Preparing for Questions About Adoption at School
Before first grade, parents need to teach kids how to respond to unwelcome comments about adoption at school.
Ask AF: Talking About Adoption with Tweens
My 12-year-old son came home upset the other day—a classmate had told him he felt sorry for him because he doesn't live with his "real parents."
The Great Back-to-School Kit
17 simple and effective ways to bring adoption into the classroom.
Adoption Scrapbooks Made Easy
Tips for capturing the journey leading up to your child's adoption, and the precious moments after, in scrapbook your family will cherish forever.
Responding to “Invisible” Racism
Our society has gotten to the point where most people can agree that overt racism is wrong. Few would argue that segregation or using a racial slur is acceptable. But many more subtle forms of racism persist. Here's how to combat them.
“Instant Mom”
Nia Vardalos describes her first meeting with the preschooler she adopted from U.S. foster care.
When Teens Find Birth Family Online
Got a Web-savvy teen on your hands? Here's how to set safety guidelines for online birth family contact.
Domestic Adoption Travel 101
Tips for — and from — domestic adoptive parents on preparing for the emotional journey to meet your child.
Adoption Leave: Your Legal Rights
All about the Federal Family Medical and Leave Act: Who is eligible, what protections are provided, and how you can secure your leave.
“Gifts to and from My Child’s Adoptive Family”
In an open adoption, what do you give to the person who means everything to you? Thoughts from a birth mom about the gifts that mean the most.
Ask AF: Multicultural Adoption Support Groups
My wife and I are active in a group for families who adopted from China. Now that we're adopting a second child, from Ethiopia, should we join another, or find a multicultural group?
“A Mother Like Any Other”
In this personal essay, one woman compares her adoptive motherhood with what her daughter will experience after pregnancy, and her quest to find answers.
Let’s Play Adoption
Want to get your young child to open up about adoption? Stop talking and start playing!
Letting Her Go: Chinese Birth Parent Search and Reunions
The first study on this topic provides fascinating insights about adoptees’ and parents’ motivations to search, search methods used, the initial reunion, and ongoing contact.
25 Ways to Nurture Hurt Children
How do you nurture a child who repels nurturing? Start with these practical ideas.
How to Lobby Your Employer for Adoption Benefits
For working people who want to adopt, the need to take time off without pay may put adoption beyond your financial means.
“From Foster to Adoptive Parent”
As foster parents, you open your hearts and home to a child even as you're preparing to reunite her with her birth mother.
“A Stocking Filled with Memories of our Foster Child”
We knew it was possible for the girl we were fostering to be reunited with her birth mother. But that didn't make it hurt any less.