It wasn't until the birth of my daughter that I realized my son's mother was his adoptive mother.
“Understanding My Family’s Circles”
My traditional childhood dreams gave way to an unexpected, soul-filling reality.
Adoption Celebrations for Every Family
When it’s time to celebrate, we take cues from longstanding traditions and blend in rituals created from scratch. The result? Ceremonies as unique as our families.
“Just a Simple Scar”
A daughter joins her family with a mysterious scar on her leg, adding another piece to the puzzle that is her young life.
Ask AF: Handling Requests for Financial Support
How should we handle requests for financial support from our son's birth mother?
How to Talk About Adoption
10 tips for talking with your child about adoption, getting him to talk to you, and preparing him to talk to others, especially in school.
“Growing Pains”
After the loss of my father, I've found myself — an only child and a single mom — in the middle of a new family circle.
How to Talk About Birth Fathers with Young Children
Because young adopted children tend to focus on their birth mothers, you need to make a special effort to include their birth fathers.
“What an Embarrassment!”
As my daughter approaches the tween years, she’s becoming more aware of who she is and of how others see her — and me.
Making Blended Families Work
Blended families flourish when they recognize their differences and celebrate their choices, says this father of two.
“Celebrating Heritage in The Wax Museum”
Breaking out of racial boundaries to create a new vision of the world and its past.
Share Your Story: First Mother’s or Father’s Day
We asked our reader panel: How did you celebrate your first Mother's Day or Father's Day? What's since become an annual tradition?
“An Imperfect Family” – Remembering My Brother Through Foster Adoption
My family couldn't give Darrell the storybook life we'd all have liked. But with us, he learned to embrace the joy in life.
“Pushing Past an Older Child’s Barriers”
What we learned about talking about a child's past and attaching in the present after adopting a 10-year-old from foster care.
Recapturing the Heart of Your Child
When a foster child who has been in your care goes back to live with his birth family, and then comes back to your home, a different child returns.
Celebrating Russian Christmas
How do we celebrate the holidays? In all sorts of creative ways. Here, gifts of love exchanged by families in open adoptions, along with an assortment of customs, crafts, and recipes just right for our multicultural families.
Celebrating Kwanzaa
How do we celebrate the holidays? In all sorts of creative ways. Here, gifts of love exchanged by families in open adoptions, along with an assortment of customs, crafts, and recipes just right for our multicultural families.
Celebrating La Navidad
How do we celebrate the holidays? In all sorts of creative ways. Here, gifts of love exchanged by families in open adoptions, along with an assortment of customs, crafts, and recipes just right for our multicultural families.
“Jon’s (Finally) Fearless Smile”
A little boy. His new mom. What ultimately brought the two of them together? Music, sweet, sweet music.
How to Adjust Invasive Assignments
Parents should expect school assignments that are difficult for their children. So be prepared.