"My boys were teens when I adopted them, but that doesn't mean they didn't need a mom. Even if I was only 25 at the time."
“Adopting Infants Through Foster Care”
"Adopting through foster care felt like a roller-coaster ride, but we knew that we were on the right path."
Providing Security in an Insecure World
No matter what their ages, our children need to be reassured about the future.
“Loving My Mother — and Becoming One”
I was an adoring daughter, ready to be an adoring mom.
Finding an Adoption Therapist
Sometimes, talking isn't enough. Kids might need additional help. Use these tips for finding an adoption therapist, and knowing when you need one.
“Thanking My Adoption Support Network”
One mother says the thank you's we sometimes forget to say.
Inconspicuous Transracial Adoption: “She Looks as White as You”
Our family doesn’t provoke many questions—is it still our responsibility to offer answers?
Dear Mom and Dad!
An adoptee's letter to prospective parents lets them know what their children might be thinking.
Becoming Adoptive Grandparents
We’d successfully raised our son to adulthood. But as grandparents, we encountered a surprising new set of challenges and joys.
“An Evolving Relationship”
After a difficult visit with my birth son, I realized the commitment to him was strong enough to weather life's ups and downs.
Winning Over the Grandparents-To-Be
Even the most eager grandparents-to-be need time to work through concerns about adoption.
“Doing Téa’s Hair”
I’d never thought much about hair care. But as the white mother of a black daughter, I learned to braid, twist, clip — and take every opportunity to instill my little girl with pride.
Post-Adoption Planning: What Single Parents Should Consider
I just adopted as a single parent. What should I do to protect the rights of myself and my child?
“I Have Two Countries”
Emilio returned to Bolivia to meet his new sister — and gained a renewed connection to his birth country.
“Goodbye to Grandpa”
My daughter's struggle to make sense of this loss is shadowed by her earliest one.
“Heart’s Desire”
My daughter—like my own mother—feels an almost primal pull toward the woman whose body she grew in.
“The Same, But Different”
When an adopted child gets most of your attention, it doesn't mean you love your other child less.
When Other Adoptive Parents Don’t Understand
Acknowledging our connection to all adoptive families strengthens our children’s place in the world.
Share Your Story: How Have You Told Your Child’s Adoption Story?
How have you handled conversations with your child about his or her adoption story? Real AF readers answer.
Should We Contact our Son’s Birth Parents?
Adoptive Families asks advice on a reader's behalf. Should we contact our son's birth parents?