AF’s editors review The Boy Who Built a Wall Around Himself, a story to help teach adoptive children that it’s OK to let their defenses down and trust.
Ask AF: Considering Disruption
Answers to your parenting questions.
“Here’s How You Can Support Us”
We may tell you that we are OK when we’re really falling apart. We’re worried that, if we are honest about how difficult parenting through the transition is, you won’t understand and that you’ll think we’re nuts.
Webinar Replay – Parenting the Hurt Child
View the replay of the “Parenting the Hurt Child” webinar. Regina M. Kupecky, LSW, guides parents in understanding a newly adopted older child’s behavior and discuss what will work (and what to avoid) to help him heal and attach.
Bonding and Attachment Basics for You and Your Child
How can I bond with a child that “isn’t mine”?
An Age-by-Age Guide to Bonding
No matter how old your child is when she comes home, learn how to boost her attachment and connect her to her new family.
Your Step-By-Step Guide to Foster Care Adoption
There are many misconceptions about adopting from foster care. Are children juvenile delinquents? Is it free? Two legal experts separate fact from fiction.
“My 10-Year-Old Nephew’s Adoption Day”
Seventeen of us crowded into the court as witnesses to my nephew’s finalization, bringing an end to 10 years spent in foster care—10 years of waiting for this day.
Choosing Which Age Group to Adopt
For lots of adoptive parents, the hardest part of the process is the “choice” — particularly what age they should adopt.
Ask AF: Keeping a Child’s Immunizations on Track
Answers to your parenting questions.
Older Child Adoption — Becoming a Family
In this collection, adoptive parents share their experiences of parenting older children they’ve adopted and offer wisdom on that initial adjustment period.
“Through the Glass”
When people learned I was pregnant, they were surprised that I was still planning to adopt.
“Bonding with My Daughters Over Pink Nail Polish”
My first 19 years of parenting were spent learning the scientific names of dinosaurs and organizing a bug collection. Was I ready to parent preteen girls?
How We Decided
No one adoption route is right for every family. AF readers describe the thinking that went behind the route they chose.
“Overcoming Malnutrition with Pizza, Pasta, and ‘Dabo'”
How a cooking-impaired mom managed a happy Thanksgiving.
“Deciding to Adopt Older Siblings from Foster Care”
At first, we envisioned welcoming a baby into our home. But we soon discovered that adopting older children was right for us.
Ask AF: My Child Is a Bully
Answers to your parenting questions.
Ask AF: Upset About Mom’s Pregnancy
Q: We adopted our daughter from foster care at age 11. Two months ago, I found out I was pregnant. At first she was very excited, but now she huffs or changes the subject whenever it comes up. I’m sure she’s upset that she’ll have to share her room and her parents, but how can I prove that our love for her will remain the same?
“Eli’s First Year Home”
When I adopted an older child, I was prepared to teach him what it means to have a family. Instead, I found myself with a little boy in deep mourning for the loss of his loving foster parents.
Ask AF: Should We Hold a Big Adoption Party?
Answers to your parenting questions.