Through normal, imaginary play, children in the preschool years can conquer their fears, conjure their birth mothers, and learn to understand their stories.
Responding to “My Real Mom Would Let Me!”
When they’re angry at us, teens may bring up the subject of birth parents. Here’s how to answer calmly.
Ask AF: Adoption-Related Separation Anxiety?
My 3-year-old appears to have a higher level of separation anxiety than most children her age.
Your Child’s Speech and Language Development
What you need to know to assess your child’s speech and language skills, and how to get help if you suspect trouble.
“Older Mom, Growing Older”
After catching baby fever at age 40 and adopting a newborn at 45, I’m aiming to live till 100.
A Forest of Family Trees
Inclusive assignments help your grade-schooler, as well as her classmates, learn about their lives and the world around them.
Ask AF: Limited Information About Birth Family
My 5-year-old has been asking a lot about her birth father recently, but I only have information about her birth mother.
Addressing Learning and Language Delays
Early assessment can make all the difference when a child has learning or language developmental delays.
Adoption Goes to Preschool
Sometimes, a behind-the-scenes talk with the teacher better serves your child than a class presentation.
“The Blank Spaces” – Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Effects
I am angry at the price my son has to pay for his birth mother’s decision to drink while pregnant — but I can’t be angry at her.
Teens and Open Adoption
As teens seek independence, they rethink their relationships with all the adults in their lives — including birth parents.
Family, Far and Near
Planning a trip to see second cousins or great aunts? Before you travel, help your child and relatives expand their conceptions of family.
“Older, Wiser, and Warming Bottles”
Adoptive parents pushing the mid-century mark are joining playgroups and diggingDora the Explorer. What’s age got to do with it?
Establishing a Routine
When it comes to easing your baby’s transition to your home, consistency is key.
6 Questions Every Adopted Teen Wants Answered
In this excerpt from Beneath the Mask: Understanding Adopted Teens, we take a look at what goes on in the minds of teens, and offer advice for talking with them.
Do We Stop at Just One?
Wondering whether to raise an only child? Half of all adoptive families do. How they thrive, despite occasional (or frequent!) second thoughts.
More Than Just the Blues
How to recognize and cope with post-adoption depression.
“No Longer Hoping for a Miracle Pregnancy”
An imminent hysterectomy is helping me realize that I no longer want to become pregnant — I only want to be the best mother I can be to my children, who came to me through adoption.
Searching for Self
Can’t pry your teen from the computer? The Internet can be a great tool for finding identity and networking with other adopted teens.
When Therapy Is in Order
Sometimes, a teen’s behavior calls for outside help. What to watch for and how to find the right adoption therapist.