“A lot of people didn’t believe,” Ms. Horton said. “But I believe in my child. And his therapist believed.”
Positive Parenting for Behavior Problems
When parents expect the worst from their children, they often get it.
“Becoming Mom to My Brother-in-Law’s Kids”
A noble view of adoption, with me as rescuer, had little to do with the reality of creating a family.
“And Now We Are Three”
Mix one American couple, one preteen Russian boy, and one summer program…and what do you get? Family.
Ask AF: A New Sister
We’ve been reading a Big Brother book to our three-year-old son (adopted at birth) to prepare him for the arrival of a six-week-old sister.
Ask AF: Years of Sleep Struggles
My seven-year-old daughter, adopted at age three, can’t fall sleep without skin-to-skin contact (stroking her arm or back).
“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.
“Do I Love Him Yet?”
Before adopting an older child, I had never heard of post adoption depression. That’s why it never crossed my mind when I had trouble attaching to my son.
Adoption Leave: Your Legal Rights
All about the Federal Family Medical and Leave Act: Who is eligible, what protections are provided, and how you can secure your leave.
What’s in a Name? For an Adopted Child, A Lot!
When a child joins a family with his own history, his own culture—his own name—parents may want to look beyond the pages of a baby names book.
“The Fierce Feelings of Motherhood”
In this personal essay, the author reflects on the surprising fierceness of feeling like a mom.
“How Do You Define Motherhood?”
To many people, sharing DNA and giving birth are the prerequisites to being a “real” mom. As my children’s mommy, I know better.
Establishing a Routine
When it comes to easing your baby’s transition to your home, consistency is key.
More Than Just the Blues
How to recognize and cope with post-adoption depression.
Surprising Post-Adoption Emotions
When you finally bring your child home, yes, you will feel elated. But many new adoptive moms and dads are surprised by the complex emotions that can sit on the outskirts of that joy.
When the New Brother or Sister Is Not a Baby
When a sibling arrives at an older age or with emotional challenges, everyone will benefit from realistic expectations — and patience.
Ask AF: Explaining Biological Siblings to an Adoptive Sibling
We have an eight-year-old biological child and a six-month-old we adopted as a newborn. Our younger son has several biological siblings—and I’m wondering how to explain this to my older son.
“Getting Past Working-Mom Guilt”
A new mother learns that she can go back to work and still retain the title of “Mom.”
Surviving Infertility
What it’s normal to feel, even after you adopt and fall in love with your child.
Ask AF: Do We Need a Lawyer to Change Our Child’s Name?
Do we have to use a lawyer (and pay attorney fees) to change our child’s name?