For a mom who was adopted as an infant, the realization that her children look like her takes on special meaning.
“Where We All Belong”
When I was a teen, my parents decided to grow our family by adopting from foster care. How did it feel to suddenly gain four new brothers and sisters through adoption?
“The One Place I Thought I’d Fit In”
I'd expected to fit in at the adoptive parents' support group. At the first meeting, however, I found I was the only mom who'd adopted domestically, who looked like her child.
Ask AF: Should We Adopt Our Child’s Birth Siblings?
A mother of three seeks advice on adopting her child's birth siblings. She worries that her child will feel hurt if they don't, but also that they won't have the energy or resources to parent more children.
“The Red Thread of Fate”
More than a decade ago, I was hopefully working my way toward an adoption from China. After a tragedy derailed my plans, I wound my way to family in an entirely different way.
Share Your Story: Choosing a Route
We asked our reader panel: "How, and why, did you choose between the different types of adoption?" This is what they shared.
Did Your Family Include a Reluctant Spouse?
Four years ago, my husband and I were happily raising our two daughters by birth when I decided that I was ready to adopt a son of a different race. My husband was content with our family as it was, and I struggled to give him the time he needed to think about adopting.
Helping Your Child Cope with Intrusive Questions
When my daughter Hope started kindergarten at her progressive school here in diverse New York City, we were both taken by surprise by the persistent, direct adoption questions she faced from classmates, questions that adults would be reluctant to pose.
Adopted and Black in Middle America
Michelle Johnson, 38, adopted by white parents and raised in suburban Minneapolis, recently spoke with AF about her experiences.
What You Need To Know To Breastfeed Your Baby
Few adoptive mothers will tell you that nursing is easy, but almost all will say it's worth the effort.
Finding Black Role Models For My Children
Seeking and being embraced by members of the black community made me realize how much I need them to successfully raise my daughters.
[Movie Review] Lion
This powerful new film, based on a true story, offers a sensitive and responsible portrayal of adoption. Highly recommended for teens and adoptive parents!
“My Christmas Dream Come True”
When I bought the ornament, I imagined hanging it on the tree with the child I was carrying. But after I miscarried, I packed it away for years.
Letters to the Editor, RE: November 2016
Readers share feedback about articles from the November 2016 issue of Adoptive Families magazine.
“Finally, Our Turn!”
First-time parent at 41? If this is my mid-life crisis, I couldn't have hoped for a sweeter one.
“Mr. Tooth Fairy”
We had known about this tooth for many years, before we even met our daughter.
“We’ve Always Done It That Way”
The uncharted journey of our first Christmas together etched a road of new, heart-warming traditions.
News Brief: Study Finds Counseling for Expectant Mothers Lacking
Expectant mothers considering adoption don't receive adequate options counseling, finds a new Donaldson Adoption Institute study that surveyed 223 birth mothers.
Early Intervention: Spotting Problems in Your Child’s Development
If your baby or toddler isnt hitting developmental milestones, help is here—at little or no cost—thanks to Early Intervention services nationwide.
Finding Belonging in Pictures
After adopting older children, these parents found that maintaining a family photo album was a useful tool to encourage bonding.