Embracing your child’s racial identity means embracing his friends, too.
Why Race Matters for Teens
Teens need their parents’ guidance in forming their racial identity.
Making the Connection with Birth Parents in Adolescence
When teens establish contact with their birth families, they face risks, as well as rewards.
“Is It Just a Phase?”
Teens may try on different identities as they seek to determine who they are.
When Parents Divorce
The breakup of a family can be especially hard for adopted teens. Here’s why.
Letting Teens Take the Reins
As teen’s desire more control over their lives, they want to be the decision-makers in determining contact with birth family.
Connect with Your Teen at Family Movie Night
Can’t get your teen to talk? Rent a movie.
Does Your Teen Fear Going to College?
Help your teen adoptee overcome fear of leaving home with this advice.
“What Do I Tell My Teen About His Birth Father?”
Your teen will want to know more about his birth father—and his birth parents’ relationship.
Strengthening Your Family Around the Dinner Table
Want to strengthen your teen’s sense of belonging? Make family meals mandatory.
Searching for Answers…with Google?
The Internet requires a cautious approach when teens are looking for answers about adoption.
“How Do I Fit Into My Family?”
As your teen heads toward adulthood, she’ll strive to discover who she is.
“Should We Tell Our Son’s Teacher That He Was Adopted?”
Families share their experiences with school and adoption issues.
Is College Right for Your Teen?
Some teens are ready to go away to school and hit the books. Others may need different options.
Supporting Your Teen’s Developing Identity
Questions from their peers get more complicated for our teens—and their peers’ questions may reflect their own worries about adoption.
“Is That Your Family?”
By now, you and your teen have established a firm family bond. But outsiders may not see it that way.
Responding to “My Real Mom Would Let Me!”
When they’re angry at us, teens may bring up the subject of birth parents. Here’s how to answer calmly.
Teens and Open Adoption
As teens seek independence, they rethink their relationships with all the adults in their lives — including birth parents.
6 Questions Every Adopted Teen Wants Answered
In this excerpt from Beneath the Mask: Understanding Adopted Teens, we take a look at what goes on in the minds of teens, and offer advice for talking with them.
Searching for Self
Can’t pry your teen from the computer? The Internet can be a great tool for finding identity and networking with other adopted teens.