"From an early age, my children needed to know where they belonged—and the birth country where they came from."
Creating a Photographic History for an Older Child
Pictures help show our children that their lives matter, and that they are part of a family. A photographer and adoptive mom offers her advice for taking and preserving meaningful moments.
Parent-to-Parent: “Your Child Looks Just Like You!”
We asked our readers how they respond when someone comments that their child "looks just like" them. Read the answers.
“Beyond All Expectations”
She went abroad intending to be an orphanage volunteer—and came back a mother.
Parent-to-Parent: The First Time You Saw Your Child
We asked our readers: Tell us about the first time you saw your child. Was in the hospital or in a referral photo?
“You Have Thousands of Angels Around You”
How one young woman lost her family, survived a war, escaped two continents, and through the kindness of strangers found a lifelong home in Atlanta.
“Where Were You When You Got The Call?”
It's the moment you'll never forget. Here adoptive parents share the story of the most desired of all adoption situations, that all-important phone call...
Letters to the Editor, RE: December 2017
Readers share feedback about articles published in the December 2017 issue of Adoptive Families magazine.
“Finding Peace Through the Adoptee Community”
The Chinese adoptee community moved across oceans, grew up in interracial families, and is now navigating young adulthood. We hold a special place in history—but long to know our own personal beginnings.
“Our Domestic Heritage Trip to San Antonio”
A child doesn't have to be adopted internationally to need to find her roots.
5 Ways to Talk with Your Child About Racism
Talking about racism makes most of us uncomfortable. Still, parents of transracially adopted children should resist the urge not to talk. Here's how.
“Santa’s Dilemma”
This year, we've vowed to cut back at Christmas. Well, perhaps it wasn't a vow, but at least a serious intent to try. Then again, they are children for such a short time.
Saying No to Racism
You can offer your children support—and the tools they need to fight back.
“What ‘Gotcha’ Means to My Family”
While I acknowledge that the word carries only a hint of the day's complicated meaning, to me, "Gotcha" says it all.
Empowering Children and Teens of Color Who Face Racism
White parents do not have the experience of feeling vulnerable or targeted based on race, so telling a transracially adopted child "I know how you feel" isn't right—but silence is also not the answer. Adoptees and experts discuss how parents should speak out and take action.
“Uncharted Territory”
Sometimes, you go somewhere expecting it to be totally different, and it ends up seeming familiar. I had that feeling as I led a group of students on a trip to China—and then again, back home, as we met an expectant mother.
Why Race Matters for Teens
Teens need their parents' guidance in forming their racial identity.
Making the Connection with Birth Parents in Adolescence
When teens establish contact with their birth families, they face risks, as well as rewards.
“Mommy, Were You Adopted?”
I'm not sure why I never told my children. But when they asked, I knew it was time to end the secrecy for good.
Share Your Story: How Did You Tell Your Extended Family?
Here are five of the thoughtful letters we received.