We set off on the 3,400-mile journey to meet my daughter’s birth mother in silence, our questions too big to put into words. In Colombia, communicating through an interpreter, but also through smiles, tears, embraces, and shared sensory experiences, all of us began to find answers.
“Race…and Starbucks”
My parents were immigrants from Germany and India, my husband also comes from a mixed background; we have one biological child, and one adopted from South Korea. What makes my daughter Korean? What makes her American?
8 Smart Diversity Strategies
Use these tips for building cultural diversity for children in your family, community, and school.
Ask AF: Encouraging a Cohesive Racial and Cultural Identity
“We have always tried to make sure our internationally adopted son feels proud of his heritage. This year, when the class was writing about Thanksgiving, he asked if he could skip the assignment because people from his birth country do not celebrate Thanksgiving. I know I need to talk to him, but I’m not sure where to start.”
Book Review: Finding Miracles
This story of a teen adopted from Latin America tackles questions of identity, race, birth culture, and more.
Music, Food, and Love!
One foster-turned-adoptive-mother shares how cooking brings her family together.
“American-Indian, Indian-American”
American by birth, Indian by virtue of being raised by us, the hyphen may define my twins more than either of the terms throughout their lives.
25 Children’s Books That Showcase Diversity
Kids need to be able to find characters who look like them in the books on their shelves. Here are some of our favorites that provide that powerful affirmation.
“Inside/Outside”: The Transracial Adoptee Experience
30 years later: A special report on the Korean adoptee experience
Breaking the Racial Sound Barrier
In a society that considers “color-blindness” a noble attitude, parents may worry about talking about racism, but we must do it. Here’s how.
“Four Unforgettable Introductions”
One adoptive dad describes four introductions he’ll never forget— those first moments when he met each of his four children but wasn’t yet their father.
“Rooting Our Children in Our Latino Heritage”
As Latino parents, we know firsthand the discrimination our children will face.
Talking About Race and Racism
Racism exists, and it’s our job as parents to talk about it with our kids. Here’s an age-by-age guide to handling those conversations.
Parenting Strategies for Blended Families
When your family includes biological and adopted children, how do you make sure everyone feels included?
“Is My Asian Son a Whiz Kid?”
When my son was five months old, friends predicted he would be a good student — probably a mathematician.
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.
First Conversations with Kids About Race
Bringing up race and racism to your kid can be tough — but it should be done sooner rather than later.
When Children Deny Their Heritage
A strong connection to role models and to others who share their ethnic background is as important now as ever.
“On Becoming African American”
Raised in a white community, I’ve just begun to embrace my heritage.
Heritage Starts at Home
How we can help our children feel good about who they are — and where they’re from.