When we first met our child's birth mother, we didn’t know what to talk about and what not to talk about, what might upset her or what she may or may not want to know about her child’s future with us.
Parents Share: Our Bonding Experience
Every family bonds differently. Here, readers share what worked for them.
Overcoming Obstacles to Bonding
Bonding won't always be automatic. Read up on common problems you and your child might encounter.
Bonding and Attachment Basics for You and Your Child
How can I bond with a child that “isn’t mine”?
An Age-by-Age Guide to Bonding
No matter how old your child is when she comes home, learn how to boost her attachment and connect her to her new family.
[Book Review] Lost Daughters
Parents of young girls can read Lost Daughters to explore how their daughter might feel as she travels through life as an adoptee.
Our Failed Adoption
When an adoption falls through, it can be devastating. Here, real parents share their tales of heartbreak — and eventual recovery.
How Can you Help Your International Adoption Succeed?
What goes wrong in international adoptions — and how can you help yours go through?
What if My Adoption Fails?
Adoptions fall apart at different stages (with different legal consequences), and there are different reasons for each kind of failure.
“Lost Daughter”
When we got our referral, we accepted it with joy. Soon after, however, we realized something wasn't right.
10 Steps to Coping with a Failed Adoption
Don't be afraid to take time to grieve after a failed adoption. Your future family will be better for it.
[Book Review] Prison Baby
Jiang-Stein always knew that she was adopted, but only discovered that she was born in a prison at age 12.
Our Adoption Referral Story
AF readers share how they reacted when they received their adoption referral.
Responding to an Adoption Referral
Don’t agree to any match or referral on the spot. Before moving forward, ask yourself these questions.
Choosing a Referral or Expectant Mother Match: The Basics
What happens when you get a referral?
[Book Review] Saving the Dream
A reader reviews Saving the Dream, a novel that explores the "What if?" questions that plague many families.
Preparing for Your Child During the Wait
The very best way to occupy your time while you wait for your child is to learn everything you can about raising adopted children, and to prepare for any eventuality.
Webinar Replay – Creating Your Adoption Profile
View the replay of the "Creating Your Adoption Profile" webinar. An adoptee and adoption expert offers guidance on the most important elements of creating the profile your agency or attorney will share with expectant mothers considering adoption.
How and When to Share Your Adoption News
Our adoptive families recommend that you share your plans in stages. While adoptions take, on average, one year from the date your home study is accepted, you won’t be in control of the timing. And if yours drags on, the last thing you want is daily phone calls asking, “So … any news?”
“My So-Called Friends”
The other day, I mentioned to a coworker that my husband and I were looking into international adoption. You'd have thought I said we were thinking of becoming terrorists. "What do you mean, you're going to adopt from Russia? What about all the kids in Milwaukee who need good homes?" she demanded indignantly.