The medical report faxed to us said our son could “speak in full sentences” and proclaimed him healthy. So who was this eerily quiet toddler on the exam table?
To the White Parents of My Black Son’s Friends
But here’s the thing—as much as we can try to protect him and teach him to protect himself, there may come a time when your child will be involved. As the parents of the white friend of my black son, I need you to be talking to your child about racism.
“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.
Readers Share: Funniest Comments About Adoption
Parents remember the wackiest thing their child ever said about adoption.
“The Power of Truth”
I know my parents were trying to protect me. But all their secrecy made me feel like something was wrong with me.
“Our Leap of Faith: Finding Birth Relatives in Russia”
We made the trip, unsure whether we would even find Marina’s orphanage, and ended up finding the answers to her deepest questions.
“What No One Told Me”
When we first met our child’s birth mother, we didn’t know what to talk about and what not to talk about, what might upset her or what she may or may not want to know about her child’s future with us.
[Book Review] Lost Daughters
Parents of young girls can read Lost Daughters to explore how their daughter might feel as she travels through life as an adoptee.
Our Failed Adoption
When an adoption falls through, it can be devastating. Here, real parents share their tales of heartbreak — and eventual recovery.
“Lost Daughter”
When we got our referral, we accepted it with joy. Soon after, however, we realized something wasn’t right.
Our Adoption Referral Story
AF readers share how they reacted when they received their adoption referral.
“Hold on Tight”
Having Joseph has helped me put everything in perspective. But before the adoption was final, it was the ride of my life.
“My So-Called Friends”
The other day, I mentioned to a coworker that my husband and I were looking into international adoption. You’d have thought I said we were thinking of becoming terrorists. “What do you mean, you’re going to adopt from Russia? What about all the kids in Milwaukee who need good homes?” she demanded indignantly.
“Motherhood in the Balance”
I sat at the kitchen table, holding the phone receiver as I waited for Nancy, our social worker at the adoption agency, to come on the line. How could I tell her that I had just been diagnosed with bipolar disorder?
“Facing Our Fears About Adoption”
Some adoptions don’t end well. Were we wrong to be afraid?
[Book Review] Carried in Our Hearts
She’s collected some of the most memorable stories she’s heard and lived through in Carried in Our Hearts.
Parent-to-Parent: Deciding to Adopt
When did you know adoption was in your future? AF readers reflect.
“My Daughter’s Loving, Supportive Role Model”
I don’t always know how our racial differences affect my daughter. But I know that having a role model of the same race has been a blessing for her — and for me.
“Our Stages of Labor and Delivery”
Although I did not endure physical childbirth, I know every emotion that pours in when motherhood begins.
“Looking Different, Dressing Alike”
When we stepped into the next parking lot, she took my hand again. “It’s good we’re wearing our shoes,” she said. “We match. That way, people know we belong together.”