Before trying to have kids, I'd never failed at anything. Though I still believe in planning and hard work, it was something else that brought me my two beautiful boys.
Responding to Assumptions About Culture
Children at my daughter's school assume she speaks Spanish, even though she was raised in an English-speaking family. What can we do?
“Music to My Ears”
At 10, Julia is fully attached to my husband and me. We are a solid forever family, the three of us. But our daughter is still reticent about investing passion elsewhere. There are no posters of Justin Bieber in her room. There is no friend from school she calls her BFF. Not one thing that really, really matters.
Ask AF: Comments on Beauty
An adoptive parent asks AF's expert for help with how to respond when strangers make comments about her children's appearances.
Ask AF: Affirming Belonging
An adoptive parent whose young child realized her skin color was different asks AF's expert for help with talking about race and belonging in a blended family.
“A Hunger for Words”
The elusive memory of a kindred spirit has steered me, over the years, toward the heart of my own story.
“Dear Friends and Family” — Sample Adoption Announcement Letters
You've made the decision to adopt. How do you tell friends and family? Use the following letters as guides when composing your own.
“Embracing Our Daughter’s Culture…at Dinner”
When we adopted our daughter from China, our appetites were insatiable. It started a family tradition of celebrating culture and heritage at dinner time.
“Come Play with Me!”
Projective play can help kids work out complex feelings about adoption. So, the next time your child says, "Come play with me!" Make sure you say, "Yes!"
“Adoption 101 in Room 26”
When presenting adoption to 10-year-olds, the teacher's cooperation and your child's involvement are key.
New Questions About Open Adoption
As our child gets older, he keeps coming up with more and more questions about his adoption!
Why Babies Need Books
Babies respond not only to the visual stimuli of books, but to the intimate act of storytelling.
What Will Their Friends Think?
As kids grow up, they look to their friends for acceptance — and desperately want to fit in.
Sweet Dreams
If you thought you'd seen the end of bedtime battles, your preschooler may show you a thing or two!
View the Open Adoption Webinar Replay
View the replay of a webinar with Lori Holden to learn about open adoption and hear answers to commonly asked questions from adoptive parents.
On the Safe Side
After months of waiting, you finally get "the call." But is your home really ready for a baby?
Milestones That Matter
Every child develops at his own pace. But there are signs you should watch for.
The Ins and Outs of Newborn Care
We are planning to adopt a newborn, but know nothing about babies. Help!
Identifying Eczema
My son's skin is red, dry, and itchy. What's going on?
Ask AF: Should We Hold a Big Adoption Party?
Answers to your parenting questions.