When they’re angry at us, teens may bring up the subject of birth parents. Here’s how to answer calmly.
Teens and Open Adoption
As teens seek independence, they rethink their relationships with all the adults in their lives — including birth parents.
6 Questions Every Adopted Teen Wants Answered
In this excerpt from Beneath the Mask: Understanding Adopted Teens, we take a look at what goes on in the minds of teens, and offer advice for talking with them.
Searching for Self
Can’t pry your teen from the computer? The Internet can be a great tool for finding identity and networking with other adopted teens.
When Therapy Is in Order
Sometimes, a teen’s behavior calls for outside help. What to watch for and how to find the right adoption therapist.
Helping Your Teen Survive Cliques
Sometimes teens feel left out of the in crowd. Here’s how to help.
Special Report: Adoption & Teens — The Psychological Background
Adolescence is tough, but don’t worry: our adopted kids’ experiences will usually fall well within the bounds of typical teen development.
“She’s Leaving Home”
My daughter, whom I swear I just brought home yesterday, is gracefully settling into college.
Special Report: Adoption & Teens — Parenting Strategies
Adoptive Families explores common situations you may face while parenting your adopted teen.
Answering Tough Questions
As your teen’s thinking becomes more sophisticated, she’ll want to know more about her adoption.
Ask AF: Helping Mom Handle the College Transition
Answers to your parenting questions.
Growing Up and Growing Older
“What do teens, who are moving toward college or career, need from their parents?” I asked my 17-year-old high school senior, as I sat hunkered over my laptop.
Ask AF: Introducing Boundaries
Answers to your parenting questions.
Two Adoptees on Going “Home” to China, Again
After a birth country visit to China that was too much, too soon for my seven-year-old daughter, she and a friend returned on their own terms as teens. The trip helped them imagine what their lives might have been and explore their Chinese-American identities.
What If? Imagining Life in a Different Family
Sleepovers and play dates give our kids an intimate glimpse of life in a different family — and may prompt reflections and questions.
Adoption Support Groups for Teens
An adoption support group can provide a safe and comfortable venue for your teen to explore adoption and his larger identity in a new, more complex way.
“Should I Play the ‘Adoption Card’?”
I began to have second thoughts about sharing my story in application essays — just as it’s no one else’s business, it shouldn’t factor into a college’s decision to accept me.
What’s Happening to My Body?
How can you help your child deal with the physical and emotional changes that puberty brings?
Standing Up to Bullies
How can you respond to bullying or protect your teen from becoming a target?
Video: Open Adoptee Experiences
In this open adoption video, teen and young adult adoptees who grew up knowing their birth parents share their thoughts and experiences.