Answers to your parenting questions.
Birth Parents on Their Minds
Your teen probably spends a lot of time thinking (or fantasizing) about her birth mother. Here's how to get some of those thoughts out in the open.
Parent-to-Parent: The Great Gotcha Debate
The term "Gotcha Day" has ardent fans and strong detractors in the adoption community. We asked Adoptive Families readers how they feel about it, and whether they use the term in their family. Here's what you said.
Our Family Snapshots
We asked AF readers to send in their most memorable family portraits, and the response we got was overwhelming. Each photo represented a story that was inspiring, fascinating, and unique. Here are a few of our favorites.
“A Love We Never Expected”
When we first considered adoption, my husband and I discussed how much contact we were willing to have with the birth mother. We didn't realize how close we'd become to the whole birth family.
A Few of Our Favorite Blogs
Looking for a new read? Check out these blogs on adoption, foster care, and life after infertility.
“The Whole Journey”
When our son’s birth mother was making that painful decision — raise a child or finish high school — we were the family she chose. So when she invited us to her graduation, nothing could stop us.
The Expectant Mom Match
On our Facebook page , we asked readers, If you adopted a newborn domestically, do you know why your child’s birth mother or birth family selected you? Here’s what you said
Putting Your Feelings on Paper
Infertility, parenting after adoption, growing up in an adoptive family, relinquishing a child—all give rise to complex emotions. Learn about the innovative Therapeutic Writing model that’s helping many lay bare and make sense of their innermost thoughts.
Choosing a Guardian
"I'm thinking about making a will. How do I choose a guardian for my child? What should I consider?"
Ask AF: Birth Grandparent Contact?
Our expert explains how contact with birth grandparents can be beneficial for children, and the guidelines for setting up a relationship that will last.
Notable New Reads
Adoptive Families rounded up the best books about adoption published in 2014. Here are our favorites and new reads to add to your list.
Ask AF: Explaining that We’re the Lucky Ones!
Answers to your parenting questions.
What is a Birth Father Registry?
After a few highly publicized cases where birth fathers contested adoptions, some states are taking a stand.
Ask AF: Renaming an Older Baby
Answers to your parenting questions.
Birth Mother Expenses: What You Need to Know
If a prospective birth mother decides not place her baby with us for adoption, can we get back the money we paid for her living expenses during the pregnancy?
Gifts for Birth Parents
Our readers share their recommendations for gifts for birth parents at the time of placement. Their advice? Keep it small and personal!
“An Expectant-Adoptive Mom”
While I was waiting to be matched, I tried to step out of the shoes of "adoptive mom" and into the shoes of "birth mom."
Fostering Positive Perceptions
The number of children adopted from foster care has dropped in recent years — and a new survey finds that Americans believe many myths about the process. Here are the facts, and real-life stories, that could help find more kids permanent homes.
Winning Over the Grandparents-To-Be
Even the most eager grandparents-to-be need time to work through concerns about adoption.