Readers share feedback about articles from the December 2016 issue of Adoptive Families magazine.
Creating a History for Your Teen During Infancy
What we record now about our child will help him or her later in the difficult teen task of forging a positive identity.
“More Love Is More Love”
In many families, relationships come without exact names. While adoption highlighted this truth, it was already a given in my family—and maybe in yours, too?
Parent-to-Parent: Celebrating the Holidays While Waiting for Your Child
Parents share their experiences of celebrating the holidays while still waiting for their adoptions to be finalized.
“Logging On for Love”
Many of us wonder if the Internet is the adoption wave of the future. Here's one family's story.
“For the Love of My Child”
When Elizabeth was young, closed adoption was comfortable. But my outlook changed the day my teenage daughter said, "I want to find them."
Keeping Our Children Connected
"We visit and communicate directly with their foster family. These efforts help our sons build and sustain important relationships. They have already experienced too much loss and grief in their young lives."
Letters to the Editor, RE: Spring 2016
RE: The Adoption Process from the Expectant Mother’s Perspective I wanted to let you know that I am also a birth mom and I truly appreciated your article highlighting four different birth mothers. I have an open adoption with my birth son, who is now 13 years old, and his family. I speak at conferences...
[Book Review] Megan’s Birthday Tree
When Megan was born, her birth mother, Kendra, planted a tree in her backyard. Every year on Megan's birthday, Kendra decorates the tree and sends photos of it to Megan, in honor of their special bond.
Questions About Being “Given Up”
Our seven-year-old daughter knows her adoption story, but, lately, she's been asking a lot of questions about why she was 'given up.'
When Birth Moms Get the Blues
It may take some time for your child's birth mother to work through her grief. But there are ways you can help.
Child-Created Lifebooks
Even if you've made a scrapbook or lifebook for your child, kids this age like to tell their own stories. Here's how to help.
The Great Back-to-School Kit
17 simple and effective ways to bring adoption into the classroom.
What to Share in the Holiday Letter to Birth Family
It's normal to think about your child's birth family during the holidays. What should you share in a holiday letter?
What’s in a Name? For an Adopted Child, A Lot!
When a child joins a family with his own history, his own culture—his own name—parents may want to look beyond the pages of a baby names book.
“Writing, Then Re-Writing, Our ‘Dear Expectant Mother’ Letter”
What do you write when the merchandise on offer is your heart?
What Is Life Like for Birth Mothers After Placement?
On Your Feet Foundation's national survey provides insight into birth mothers' emotional experiences after placement and what can help them heal.
Ask AF: What to Say in a Letter to Birth Parents
I send letters with pictures to my children’s birth parents via our adoption agencies.
“Older, Wiser, and Warming Bottles”
Adoptive parents pushing the mid-century mark are joining playgroups and diggingDora the Explorer. What's age got to do with it?
Should You Friend Your Child’s Birth Mother?
Facebook has dramatically changed the way information is exchanged in adoption. Experts and parents offer advice on navigating social media.