My daughter is considering becoming a mother. As I think of the ways her life will change, my main resounding advice is, “You will never regret it.”
Adoption in the Movies: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
With this jocular yet telling treatise on adoption in the movies, journalist Susan Avery offers some reviews of popular films to help you decide what’s right for your family.
[Book Review] Hot Flashes, Warm Bottles
Eric McAttee reviews Hot Flashes, Warm Bottles, a book about motherhood after 40, and the joys and challenges older moms will face.
“Someone to Watch Over Me”
A Russian toddler flourishes despite a babyhood in an orphanage abroad.
Ten Tips for Helping Babies Adjust
AF’s best strategies for bonding with your new baby.
Children’s Fears
When monsters threaten, you can be your child’s safe bridge back to reality.
Developing a Body Image
“I wonder what I’ll look like when I”m grown.”
“The Therapeutic Value of Playing Our Adoption Game”
My daughter was two when I first met her at the orphanage in Russia. I knew nothing about the first years of her life, and she has no conscious memories of that time—but an elaborate fantasy life that she cultivated gave me a glimpse into how she may have experienced her early years.
[Book Review] Adoption and the Schools: A Resource Guide for Parents and Teachers
Though many schools support the ideas of diverse families and multiculturalism, adoption is rarely mentioned as one of the differences to be considered or part of a school curriculum. This book seeks to change that.
Communicating With Your Baby
Terrible twos got you down? Some simple sign language may be able to help you through this tough time.
[Book Review] Adoption and Prenatal Alcohol and Drug Exposure
If I adopt a baby whose mother may have been using drugs or alcohol during the pregnancy, what issues might I expect for my child? Are there any differences if the infant has been exposed to alcohol versus drugs or both?
When Parents are the Educators
Raising adoption awareness at school can protect your child from thoughtless remarks and benefit classmates, teachers, and the school community. Just be sure to tread lightly and respect boundaries, especially your child’s.
When Holidays Don’t Measure Up
Holiday celebrations are supposed to be joyous, but they can be a minefield of mixed emotions.
“Helpless Love”
There is an irrevocable moment when you become a parent, an instant when the idea of your child enters your heart forever.
Empowering Kids to Handle Sticky Assignments
When adoption comes up in the classroom, you can’t always help your child handle it. Here’s how to set up your child to advocate for herself at school.
A Family Identity
A family value statement can build strong bonds and see you through both good times and bad.
When Things Change
Life’s transitions can be hard on children. Here’s how to help your child develop his own ways to cope.
“Old Bones”
I’ve reached a point in life where both my young daughter and my aging mother depend on me. Can I afford to be fragile?
Adopting on Your Own the Second — or Third — Time Around
Double the pleasure—or double trouble?
Making a Life for Two
Looking back at her sometimes difficult transition to family life, a mom describes learning to take care of herself as well as her daughter.