Looking back, I began the journey of adopting an older child somewhat naively. My daughter and I agree that these seven truths could have made our path to happy a little bit easier.
“Unleashing the Mom Within”
A 7-year-old girl helps this author discover her maternal side.
“Coming Into Focus”
Online images opened my heart, then my home.
“A Fearless Love”
I expected that my new daughter would need some time to get used to me, but I never thought she’d be frightened by me.
Ask AF: When Rocking Behavior Interferes with a Good Night’s Sleep
Our adoptive son rocks before going to sleep, and it’s started waking him up at night. How can we help him break out of this disruptive bedtime routine?
Parenting an Older Child Through the Testing Phase
Our readers asked how to parent their adoptive children through the testing phase. Our expert has answers for dealing with lying, carelessness, and anger.
The Truth About Older Child Adoption
The first year after bringing home an older child is complicated, isolating, utterly frustrating…and amazing.
Helping Your Child Say Goodbye
Strong connections to the past will allow your child to embrace the future.
“The Day I Joined a Forever Family”
A 10-year-old recalls the day a foster family became a forever family for him and his sister.
“Pushing Past an Older Child’s Barriers”
What we learned about talking about a child’s past and attaching in the present after adopting a 10-year-old from foster care.
Recapturing the Heart of Your Child
When a foster child who has been in your care goes back to live with his birth family, and then comes back to your home, a different child returns.
Easing an Older Child’s Adjustment
The transition from foster care to forever family can be difficult on a child. Use these strategies when bringing home an older child.
“Teaching Our Daughter That Her Needs Matter”
My little girl didn’t fuss, never cried, and was utterly compliant. It was up to us to teach her to shove, yell, and demand — and find her voice.
Claiming Your Role as a Parent
Daring to parent an older child who has experienced hurt or neglect in the past will help him learn to trust and love.
What I Wish I Had Known
After the initial adjustment stages, parents who adopt older kids often say, “Why didn’t someone tell me that?” Here are eight of the lessons families I’ve worked with over the past 25 years have learned.
Older Child Parenting — The Facts Behind Food Challenges
Our expert explains common feeding challenges with adopted older children, and their solutions.
Adapting Expectations
When you adopt a toddler or an older child, be prepared to encounter some surprising behaviors. Experts and parents share their strategies and successes.
“Too Soon for a Family Vacation”: Older Child Adjustment
What we should have known before we took our newly adopted 13-year-old on a surprise Disney World vacation.
Preparing Siblings for an Older-Child Adoption
We’ve decided to adopt an older child. We have two children now, and we’re wondering how best to integrate our new child into the family. What’s your advice?
When Your Older Child Comes Home
We’re about to adopt a seven-year-old. Does he have to start school right away? What about medical care? What can wait until we’ve bonded?