Features
7 Ways to Give Your Child a History
When a child is adopted from foster care at an older age, he needs to understand his story up to placement and the significance of his joining a new family forever. Here are hands-on activities you can use to start this conversation.
In Their Own Words
Adolescent adoptees offer first-person wisdom to fellow adoptees.
Midlife Moms and Dads
Older adoptive parents are joining playgroups and digging Dora the Explorer. One mom shares her how she keeps up with kids, creates a support network, and manages sibling rivalry.
Personal Essays
“Finding Tess“
A yearly India Camp helped our family celebrate its diversity — and helped our daughter discover her own identity.
“Is PAL too PC?”
Positive adoption language helps correct misunderstandings about adoption. But is it too politically correct?
“At Home: My Asian Daughter”
At 13, my daughter is still figuring out who she is. Race is one part of the picture, adoption is another.
News
New Connections in U.S. Adoption
Growing Up Adopted
The Early Years: Bonding Bliss
Use simple, everyday gestures — like feeding, burping, or tickling — to bond with your baby and promote a healthy attachment.
Preschool: “This is How We Became a Family”
Ready to start the adoption conversation with your preschooler? Here are some tips on where to begin.
Elementary: Their Own Thing
Don’t be sad if your child’s personality is different than yours — it’s a sign he’s developing into his own person.
Middle & High School: In Charge of Their Birth Stories
By the time our children reach their preteen years, it’s up to them to decide which parts of their adoption stories they want to tell their peers.
The Experts
Building “Nontraditional” Families
Our legal expert explains what gay, lesbian, and single parents need to know when building their nontraditional families during the process of adopting.
Staying Healthy On Your Adoption Trip
If you’re travelling to adopt, read on to learn what medical precautions you can take to ensure your family makes the journey safe and sound.
Departments
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Thank You to This Issue’s Sponsors:
America’s Christian Credit Union
Camp Clio
Gerber
Similac
Americans for International Aid and Adoption
Adoption Services Associates
Bethany Christian Services
Dillon International
Sesame Place
Show Hope Empowered to Connect Conference
Parent Match
US Adopt
Adoptions from the Heart
Beacon House Adoption Service
Children’s Connections Inc.
Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital
Cono Christian School
Embryo Donation Services Center
European Adoption Consultants
Ethiopian Heritage and Culture Camp
Shepherd Care
Southwestern Medical Center
Spence-Chapin
Susan Parr Travel Incorporated
Valley Health System