Parents share the questions their children have been asked by friends and classmates over the years, from being in an orphanage to whether they know their “real” parents.
“Life of the Party”
Adoption kismet paired my moody, socially awkward self with an upbeat, sociable son who volunteers to wear his school mascot costume, runs for student council, and is unfazed by the thought of speaking in front of his whole school. Every day I am awed (and exhausted).
Ask AF: How to Choose a School for Our Transracially Adopted Child?
A mother seeks advice in selecting a school for her daughter, who is biracial. How to weigh general diversity vs. specific racial representation vs. distance from the family’s home?
“Overcoming All Odds”
Although we knew our South American-born son would face challenges growing up in a predominantly white middle class suburb, we were totally unprepared for what was to come.
3 Tasks for College-Bound Adoptees
“Going to college provides the time and distance for young adult adoptees to experiment with and sort out their own interests and self-expectations.”
A Guide for Teachers: Helping Classmates Understand Adoption
When it comes to adoption, teachers can be part of the solution. The key is to explain it to students in age-appropriate ways.
Ask AF: Encouraging a Cohesive Racial and Cultural Identity
“We have always tried to make sure our internationally adopted son feels proud of his heritage. This year, when the class was writing about Thanksgiving, he asked if he could skip the assignment because people from his birth country do not celebrate Thanksgiving. I know I need to talk to him, but I’m not sure where to start.”
Share Your Story: Adoption & School
We asked our readers: How did you decide whether to introduce the topic of adoption at your child’s school? What actions did you take, if any, to start explaining adoption to classmates or teachers? What advice do you have for other parents about how to best interact with your child’s teachers?
Promoting Adoption Awareness at School
As parents, how can you help make sure that your child and all the students at her school feel included and supported? Educate teachers about the five As!
Parent-to-Parent: “Do You Talk with the Teacher About Adoption?”
Do you tell the teacher that your child was adopted at the start of a new school year? See parents’ answers.
Helping Teens with Transitions
Avoid sit down lectures and look for teachable moments to get your teen to open up.
“How We Created My Son’s Unique Family Tree”
The family tree project can be a particularly tricky one for kids who are adopted. Here’s how one family tackled the assignment.
“My Child is Being Teased at School”
Sometimes school brings tough situations, like teasing, tricky assignments, and nosy questions. When should kids handle things on their own, and when should a parent step in?
When Classmates Ask
How can you help your child answer adoption questions with confidence—and handle any queries that come your way?
When Boys are Bullies and Girls Are Mean
If your child is the giver or receiver of unkind behavior, read on.
Stepping Back at School
As your child progresses through elementary school, she should take more responsibility for handling tricky assignments. Here’s how to hand off the reins.
Exploring Family Roots at School
The family tree assignment is a perfect opportunity to answer your child’s questions about adoption.
Packing a School Lunch Your Picky Eater Will Devour
Picky eating is common in children—and as a parent, it’s probably driving you crazy. Here, simple strategies (like using a cookie cutter!) help make sure your child gets enough to eat.
“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.