I became a dad at age 50, and it changed my life in ways I never could have expected. It was the greatest gift.
“Baby Benjamin’s Adoption Day”
Today the judge made it official. But this child has been one of us since the day he was born.
“Motherhood, Cleaved.”
My love for my youngest child, who was born to me, takes a different timbre from my love for my twins through adoption. Accepting this helps me understand the inimitable bond they share with their birth mother, and the ache she must feel.
Parents Share: Celebrating with an Adoption Shower
Adoptive parents who welcomed their child home with an adoption shower share when they celebrated and their favorite part of the joyous occasion.
Adoption Day Gifts From Russia, with Love
The mementos we gathered during our long adoption stay have meant a great deal to our daughter as she grows up.
Adoption Shower for Toddlers or Older Children
Planning an adoption shower for an internationally or domestically adopted toddler or older child? Here’s what to ask for.
“Santa’s Dilemma”
This year, we’ve vowed to cut back at Christmas. Well, perhaps it wasn’t a vow, but at least a serious intent to try. Then again, they are children for such a short time.
“What ‘Gotcha’ Means to My Family”
While I acknowledge that the word carries only a hint of the day’s complicated meaning, to me, “Gotcha” says it all.
“Which Baby Gift Registry is Best?”
Readers share their registry experiences—and tell us which companies have adoption-friendly options.
Capturing Our Favorite Family Photographs
We asked readers about your most treasured photos from your trips to the hospital or country where your children were born. Here are some of the most meaningful scenes and stories you shared from your adoption journeys.
Parent-to-Parent: My Favorite Adoption Memory
Adoptive parents and adoptees share their favorite adoption memories from the past year, including first Mother’s Days, finalizing adoptions, and gaining access to open records.
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.
Teaching Kids to Say Thanks
What do you do when your three-year-old announces that he doesn’t like the new socks your mother gave him as a gift? Or he’s too busy devouring a cookie to show his appreciation for it?;
Share Your Story: Holiday Traditions
We asked the Adoptive Families Reader Panel: How do you integrate your child’s culture of origin and/or adoption story into your family’s holiday rituals?
How Did You Word Your Adoption Announcement?
Did you create a custom announcement, or adapt a pre-printed template? There are so many questions when sharing the news of your new family member. Our readers explain what they included.
“Re-Celebrating My Daughter’s First Nine Birthdays”
My daughter’s tenth birthday was the first birthday party she’d ever had. Here’s how and why we decided to redo all the others.
What to Expect During Your Adoption Finalization
Adoption can’t be finalized until after marathon of post-placement visits and termination of parental rights. Here’s what to expect before, during, and after the hearing.
“Getting Rid of ‘Gotcha Day'”
What do you call the day your adoptive child came home? In this personal essay, one mother explains why “Gotcha Day” can be offensive for some adoptees.
Showered with Love
Whether you feel most comfortable holding it after completing your dossier, or when you receive your referral — an adoption shower is a wonderful way to celebrate your growing family.
Domestic Adoption Showers
When their adoption date was uncertain, our readers took the opportunity to celebrate with their children in tow. Here, they share their experiences.
- 1
- 2