The breakup of a family can be especially hard for adopted teens. Here’s why.
Letting Teens Take the Reins
As teen’s desire more control over their lives, they want to be the decision-makers in determining contact with birth family.
Connect with Your Teen at Family Movie Night
Can’t get your teen to talk? Rent a movie.
Does Your Teen Fear Going to College?
Help your teen adoptee overcome fear of leaving home with this advice.
“What Do I Tell My Teen About His Birth Father?”
Your teen will want to know more about his birth father—and his birth parents’ relationship.
Talking to Teens Who Don’t Want to Talk to You
It’s important to look for those natural, easy times when personal, tender issues can be touched upon.
“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?
“Are Adoptive Moms Allowed to Have a Bad Day?”
After finally realizing my dream of becoming a mother, I found what most new parents find—along with the bliss come days filled with crying, spit-up, and leaking diapers. But when I dared to vent, I was chided: “You wanted to adopt…you asked for this!”
Strengthening Your Family Around the Dinner Table
Want to strengthen your teen’s sense of belonging? Make family meals mandatory.
Defusing Your Teen’s Explosive Moods
It can be easier for adopted teens to express anger than the emotions that are often behind it: vulnerability, weakness, or uncertainty. Help your adolescent deal with these complex feelings in more effective ways.
Searching for Answers…with Google?
The Internet requires a cautious approach when teens are looking for answers about adoption.
“How Do I Fit Into My Family?”
As your teen heads toward adulthood, she’ll strive to discover who she is.
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.
How Preteens Can Answer Prying Questions at School
How to help your middle schooler cope with curious peers.
Dolls and Toys for Our Families
We asked readers, “Have you found any dolls or other toys that reflect your child’s race and/or birth culture that you would specifically recommend?” Here are the top picks.
“Letting the 13-Year-Old Drive”
How do you empower a child entering his teen years in a state of defeat, powerlessness, and utter self-disregard? You give him a key and tell him to take off!
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.