How can we explain our plan to adopt to our nieces and nephews (ages one to nine)?
Ask AF: Birth Sibling in Another Family
When I adopted my two-year-old son, I was told that he has a biological sibling who was adopted by a family who lives in another state. My son is my only child, but his brother has adoptive siblings. How do I explain this to my son?
Ask AF: When to Share Birth Family Information
How do we answer our young child’s questions about adoption, and her birth mother?
Ask AF: Tummy Talk
My child is starting to talk about tummies. What is going on here?
[Book Review] Wish
While not overtly an adoption story, Wish, by Matthew Cordell can help a child understand how his parents hoped and dreamed for his arrival.
Ask AF: Surprise Sayings
Answers to your parenting questions.
Ask AF: Reappearance of a Birth Child
Answers to your parenting questions.
Ask AF: Explaining Foster Reunification
How can we explain to our four-year-old that the baby we’ve been fostering will be going back to his birth family?
Ask AF: Differences in a Blended Family
My husband and I are adopting a baby boy from Guatemala. We have three biological children, so we’re worried that he’ll feel very different in our blended family. How should we respond to questions from others, and what should we tell our kids?
Readers Share: Funniest Comments About Adoption
Parents remember the wackiest thing their child ever said about adoption.
Parents Share: Creating Our Child’s Adoption Story
Parents share how they impart and strengthen their child’s adoption story.
What Do I Tell My Child?
Speaking about birth history helps all family members get used to the words and narrative, and lets your child know that he or she can always come forward with questions and emotions about birth parents.
Our Family Adoption Story
Preschoolers love hearing about their adoption when it’s told as a narrative designed to inform and comfort.
Connecting with Other Adoptees
As they progress through grade school, most children want to “blend in” and be part of the crowd. But what if a child feels that the way she joined her family–through adoption–sets her apart?
Ask AF: Adoption Stigma at School
My daughter took a picture of her birth father to school. She proudly showed it and, when asked where he was, said “prison.” Since then, her best friend’s mother has forbid her daughter from playing with her.
Ask AF: Answering Complex Questions
Answers to your parenting questions.
Ask AF: Gaining Comfort with Adoption Talk
Answers to your parenting questions.
“Pondering My Son Mateo’s Family Tree”
My son’s story started before I met him. His pre-adoption prologue is one I may never know. But of this I am sure: Mateo was born to be my son.
Ask AF: Who is My Daddy?
Answers to your parenting questions.
Ask AF: Explaining Adoption and Divorce
Answers to your parenting questions.