As she anticipates the release of her documentary Hayden & Her Family, the filmmaker reconnects with the mother of 12 she profiled to discuss special needs adoption, parenting outside “normal” boundaries, and how loving a child changes you.
“I Needed a Different Parenting Handbook…” – Parenting Children with FASD
Belated diagnoses of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) changed the way this mom parented her children, and the way she savored their successes. Join with her as she recounts some of their small victories and hard-won life lessons from their 20-year journey.
Ask AF: Worried My Daughter Will Think Her Birth Mom Is More “Fun”
“My nine-year-old has been asking me about her birth mother. I was able to find her on social media, but I’m worried about sharing the photos I found.”
How to Raise a Bounce-Back Kid
Most kids are born to rebound whatever their start in life. Research shows that parents can help.
Raising a Child Who Loves Reading
Parents know that books are educational, but how do they make them fun for kids while building reading skills? Start with these three titles.
How Parents Can Encourage Language Skills
About 10% of children have speech and language difficulties. Help your child develop these skills with these five tips.
“Heart’s Content”
A trip to the doctor’s office reminds me of the love inside my son’s perfect heart.
Ask AF: How to Help Our Teen Through Depression?
“Our 17-year-old is experiencing depression and has been smoking pot. She told us she sees her depression as connected to adoption, which surprised us, because we’ve always talked openly about adoption. How can we help her?”
Celebrating Sameness in Your Family
Help your preschooler process the world around him by pointing out the ways you are alike.
“Bonding or Discipline?”
As I sit in the pediatrician’s waiting room, all of my parenting skills are called into question. Do I focus on disciplining or bonding with my daughter?
“I Wish I Had Another Mother”
To my surprise, his comment about wanting another mother did not upset me. Rather, I realized that I knew exactly how he felt, and my mother, too!
Ask AF: How to Explain to My Child That His Birth Mother Was Addicted to Drugs?
My child’s birth mother has a drug addiction. How should I explain this to him? How can I do so without sounding judgmental about his birth mother?
TB and Adoption: What Parents Needs to Know
Many think of tuberculosis as a thing of the past, but it’s one of the top ten causes of death worldwide. Here, learn what TB tests your adoptive child might need.
Ask AF: When and How to Find a Pediatrician During the Adoption Process
“We would like to find a pediatrician during the adoption process, so we have someone to help guide our decisions. How to do this?”
Yes, You Can Breastfeed
Now you need to decide if it’s right for you and your family.
My Daughter, the Shoplifter
When children engage in petty theft, are they beginning a life of crime or just engaged in a naughty prank?
Parent-to-Parent: Like Birth Mother, Like Child
We asked our readers: What talent or trait do you see in your child that must be from his or her birth family? Read the answers from adoptive parents.
Beyond School: How Parents Can Help
Tips for parents to help their adopted children cope with a learning disability.
Post-Arrival Medical Evaluations
Your guide to identifying medical problems common to internationally adopted children.
Book Review: The Safe Baby
The Safe Baby is an easy-to-follow resource that will give busy parents — adoptive or otherwise — peace of mind.