Now you need to decide if it’s right for you and your family.
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.
“A Different Kind of Sister”
My partner and I thought long and hard about whether we wanted to adopt a second child. We decided to adopt a puppy-sister for our daughter instead.
Parent-to-Parent: Holiday Gifts for Your Child’s Birth Family
We asked our readers: If you’ll be giving your child’s birth parents a gift this holiday season, what is it and how will you give it to them? Read the answers from adoptive parents.
Why Race Matters for Teens
Teens need their parents’ guidance in forming their racial identity.
“Is It Just a Phase?”
Teens may try on different identities as they seek to determine who they are.
“Mom, Were You Alive During Woodstock?”
Age limits for those adopting have been stretched or even eliminated. How might this affect the children of these “older” parents?
2017 Cover Photo Contest Winners
Congratulations to the winners of the 2017 Adoptive Families Cover Photo Contest! See the nine photos selected from more than 1,200 entries, and read stories from the proud parents.
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?
“How I Parent My Transracial Family”
Like all mixed race families in America, we face stereotyping as a matter of course. These six lessions have helped enrich my 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.
The Wrong Crowd?
An adolescent’s peers may tell you something about their inner life.
Journaling for Teens
Writing a journal is a great way to build a stronger sense of self.
Post-Arrival Medical Evaluations
Your guide to identifying medical problems common to internationally adopted children.
Deciding on a Second Child
More might be merrier, but the family dynamic is sure to change.
Book Review: Kids, Parents, And Power Struggles: Winning For A Lifetime
This straightforward book is perfect for helping parents avoid emotional warfare.
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.