My son and daughter-in-law recently adopted a five-year-old from Ethiopia. They told us we cannot hold, hug, or kiss our grandson.
The Daddy Question
How you respond to questions about your "single parent" status depends on who's asking...
A Durable Relationship with Your Child’s Birth Parents
Over the years, an open adoption arrangement may need to evolve to accommodate the changing needs of everyone involved — above all, the child.
It’s All Relative!
Nothing brings out a tween's awkward side like a holiday family gathering. What can you do to help?
“Two Very Different Paths to Attachment”
Our kids both came to us at 20 months old, but bonding with each child required very different tactics.
Discipline in Older-Child Adoption
Our older child adoption expert explains what works, and what is sure to fail when disciplining your child.
“Moving Past a Miscommunication in Our Open Adoption”
14 years into our open adoption, we've learned that conflicts can occur, as in any family. Here's how we moved past one sticky situation when our son's birth mother sent him a check in the mail.
Lyford Law
C.J. Lyford practices law in the areas of adoption and immigration/citizenship. RE international adoption: She provides legal services and consultations to adoptive parents and agencies worldwide in response to USCIS, consulate, and related immigration and international adoption problems including responses to Notices of Intent to Deny, appeals of I-600 Orphan Petition, I-800 Hague Petition or<a href="https://www.adoptivefamilies.com/directory/lyford-law-lafayette-hill-pa/" title="Read more" >...a>
Adoption Choice Inc.
Adoption Choice Inc. (ACI) is a progressive, state-licensed, private adoption agency that provides adoption services throughout Wisconsin. An office is located in Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay with additional adoption counselors located throughout the state. We are licensed to serve anywhere in the state and provide a wide range of adoption services including home studies,<a href="https://www.adoptivefamilies.com/directory/adoption-choice-inc-green-bay-wi/" title="Read more" >...a>
Ask AF: Too Young to Understand Birth Family?
We have an open adoption with our 30-month-old son's birth family. Last night we were looking at a photo album.
Starting the Adoption Conversation
Keep talks with your child simple and relaxed. Your ease with discussing adoption lays the groundwork for a lifelong dialogue.
Open Adoption from the Other Side
How does your child’s birth mother feel about being called a “birth mother,” about the frequency and format of contact, her voice in the relationship, and more? We asked five birth mothers in open adoptions these questions. Here are their answers.
Talking with Children about Adoption
Is it what you say, how early you say it, or how often you say it that matters most to your child? Barbara Russell gives tips on talking about adoption with your child.
“Too Many Questions”
When you and your child look different, the world wants to know why.
Small Wonders: Adopting a Toddler
Straddling the line between infancy and autonomy, toddlers experience adoption in unique ways. Here's what you need to know to face the challenge.
Marriage Equality Does Not Ensure Adoption Equality
It remains to be seen exactly how the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges decision will affect parentage, so here’s what LGBT adoptive parents must still do to protect their families’ rights.
Ask AF: Moving and Readoption
I'm about to move. Can I readopt after I move, or do I have to readopt in the state I lived in when I brought my child home?
Gearing Talks to Your Child’s Development
Let what your child can understand about adoption guide what you tell him about his story.
Ask AF: A Difficult Reality
We used to have a good relationship with our son's birth mother, but haven't heard from her since he was two. He's now nine. I recently searched for her online, and learned that she's in jail.
Ask AF: Explaining Adoption to a Special-Needs Child
Answers to your parenting questions.