Our Reader Panel responds.
“Falling in Love with Adoption”
Although my family’s story is a journey still in progress, I’ve discovered a way to feel complete.
Explaining Different Levels of Birth Mother Contact to Kids
We know very little about our nine-year-old’s birth mom, but her younger brother talks to his. How can we help her?
Ask AF: Birth Grandparent Contact?
Our expert explains how contact with birth grandparents can be beneficial for children, and the guidelines for setting up a relationship that will last.
Secret Thoughts of an Adoptive Mother
An honest examination of an adoptive mother’s feelings before, during, and after a transracial, open adoption.
“Open Adoption Converts”
Nowadays, I can’t imagine my family having come together any differently. But it wasn’t always that way.
“Our Son’s Direct Connection with his Birth Mother”
Our sons stay in touch with their birth mom through a P.O. box…and something a little less tangible.
Ask the Open Adoption Expert: Reconnecting with Birth Mother
We haven’t been in touch with our son’s birth mother since he was a toddler. How should we reconnect with her?
“Choosing to Adopt Our Second Child”
When this 20-something, fertile couple decided to adopt a child, they shocked family and friends–and so did their daughter’s birth mom.
“The Birthday Package for Our Son’s Birth Parents”
Photos and letters are the only things my son’s birth mother asked for. I hope that what we send expresses our gratitude.
“Coming Clean About My Troubled Past with an Expectant Mother”
Coming clean to our birth mother about my unstable past helped us build a solid foundation for our future.
“Unexpectedly in Sync”
My daughter formed a swift, intense bond with her four birth sisters. The surprising love I felt for them blindsided me, but now it makes perfect sense.
Gifts for Birth Parents
Our readers share their recommendations for gifts for birth parents at the time of placement. Their advice? Keep it small and personal!
“Maternal Instincts”
My daughter’s birth mother helped me trust my own maternal instinct.
“Letters to Noelle”
As my letter-writing to my son’s birth mother has evolved, so has our relationship grown.
“Unexpected Contact with Our Child’s Birth Mother”
We hadn’t planned on an open adoption. But when my daughter’s birth mother requested a letter, how could I say no?
It Takes Two — Lily & Gillian
Identical twins, separated at birth — but raised as sisters since the day they were born — are giving new meaning to the phrase “blended family.”
Ask AF: Reaching Out to the Birth Father
How can we increase the openness of our relationship with our son’s birth father?
Contact with Biological Grandparents
Should we create a contact agreement with our children’s biological grandparents? What are our legal rights?
Ask AF: Building a Relationship With Birth Siblings
Answers to your parenting questions.