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.
Parent-to-Parent: Sleep Problems
We asked our readers, “What sleep problems did you encounter after you adopted your child, and how did you handle them?” Here’s what they said.
Parent-to-Parent: Gifts for New Parents Through Adoption
From time to bond to a scrapbook from the orphanage to IKEA furniture (and assembly!), parents share their favorite gifts they received after adopting their child.
Parent-to-Parent: Home Study Anxiety
The homestudy is a stressful experience for any prospective adoptive parent, but it can be especially nerve-wracking for those with health concerns or youthful indiscretions. Our readers offer advice on getting through this stage of the adoption process.
Parent-to-Parent: Celebrating the Holidays While Waiting for Your Child
Parents share their experiences of celebrating the holidays while still waiting for their adoptions to be finalized.
Parent-to-Parent: Preparing for the Adoption Home Study Visit
Real parents share how they prepared for the adoption home study visit with a social worker, offering helpful tips and some funny stories.
Parent-to-Parent: What Does a Family Want to Hear While Waiting to Adopt?
Waiting to adopt is hard, especially when the wait stretches on for years. Real parents share the words that comforted them and got them through their waits.
Parent-to-Parent: Talking with the Teacher About Adoption
Parents weigh in on talking with their child’s teacher and sharing resources at the start of a new school year.
Do Adoptees Struggle with Change and Transition?
“My daughter has greater difficulties with transitions than her friends who were born into their families. If we know a transition is coming, we prepare.”
“What the Books Didn’t Tell Me”
When Christopher joined our family at age three, I had to set aside my tried and true parenting methods in favor of the sort of nurturing he’d never known.
Do We Stop at Just One?
Wondering whether to raise an only child? Half of all adoptive families do. How they thrive, despite occasional (or frequent!) second thoughts.
“No Longer Hoping for a Miracle Pregnancy”
An imminent hysterectomy is helping me realize that I no longer want to become pregnant — I only want to be the best mother I can be to my children, who came to me through adoption.
Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda: Surviving the Wait
In hindsight, these veteran adoptive moms would have done some things differently during the wait — but not others.
Open Adoption from the Other Side
How does your child’s birth mother feel about being called a “birth mother,” about the frequency and format of contact, her voice in the relationship, and more? We asked five birth mothers in open adoptions these questions. Here are their answers.
Parent-to-Parent: Embracing “Older” Parenthood
Readers who adopted as older parents share some of the drawbacks and benefits, their best advice—and the joy that comes with parenting, not matter what your age.
Readers Share: Funniest Comments About Adoption
Parents remember the wackiest thing their child ever said about adoption.
Parent-to-Parent: Deciding to Adopt
When did you know adoption was in your future? AF readers reflect.
Child Care, Pre-Child?
Should you arrange for day care during the wait, or after your child is home? Readers weigh in.
Readers’ Favorite Children’s Books
We turned to the community to compile our list of the best children’s adoption books. Many of you recommended your favorites on Adoptive Families Circle.
Becoming a Mom or a Dad In Our Hearts
When did you know you were truly your child’s mother or father?