When children are exposed to violence—in their first home, at school, or in the media—it’s our job as parents to help them process it. Here’s how.
Navigating the Teen Years, Part 1: Setting “Adoption-Sensitive” Limits
As a teen, your child still needs and wants you to be a strong parent—not in a controlling fashion, but as a reliable authority in his or her life. Read on for 10 ways to establish yourself in this role.
“Dear Other Mothers…Thank You”
My greatest joy, becoming a mother, happened because both of my children lost the one person no child should have to lose.
“Why I Attend Adoption Conferences”
As I listened to the haunting soundtrack recently, I realized that The Truman Show is also about adoption. As the realization of his life dawns on Truman, he confronts his fears, leaves his home, and runs straight to the only person who has ever told him the truth.
10 Simple Ways to Have a Happier Family
Wish you could slow down and take the time to really connect with your kids? Here’s how to slip small moments of love and closeness into the busiest days.
Ask AF: New Feelings About Adoption as a Teen
“After years of seeming OK about being adopted, my teenage daughter has become sad and angry about it recently. How can I help her deal with her new emotions?”
“My Single Mother’s Legacy”
A cry in the night reminds one mother how much families have changed and how much love stays the same.
“And Baby Makes Three”
A single mom’s decision to adopt a second time.
Dealing with the Unwanted Spotlight
When children enter a family as older children or teens, or even when older children who are adopted move from one school setting to another, some of the ordinary issues of school life can become complicated for them.
Confronting Stereotypes and Prejudice About Adoption
“Adopted Teen Arrested,” the newspaper headline reads (never “Birth Teen Arrested”). Is this just another example of sensationalism by the media or do adopted teens get into more trouble than their non-adopted peers?
Is College Right for Your Teen?
Some teens are ready to go away to school and hit the books. Others may need different options.
Privacy, Please!
Surprised by your grade-schoolers sudden need for personal space? Don’t be. It’s normal.
Ten Questions to Ask Pediatricians
When you’re in the process of adopting an infant, there are things you should know about your potential pediatrician. Start with these top queries.
First Aid Kit Essentials
One thing about parenthood is practically guaranteed. If your new baby gets sick, it will be in the middle of the night…in a snowstorm. Be prepared with these must-have items.
When “What Should I Wear?” Gets More Complicated
Negotiate a set of fashion “dos” both you and your daughter can live with.
Dealing with Loss of a Grandparent
Often, the loss of a grandparent will be your child’s first experience with death. If a child is close to her grandparent, the loss will be that much harder.
What’s on Their Minds?
As grade-school kids learn more about adoption, they begin to ask more questions. How do you respond?
Learning to Make Mistakes
Some of our kids turn into perfectionists during grade school. Is there a link to adoption?
A New Home, New Fears
A family move can be hard for any child.
Supporting Your Teen’s Developing Identity
Questions from their peers get more complicated for our teens—and their peers’ questions may reflect their own worries about adoption.