Writing and illustrating a fictional tale about a winged girl named Paloma helped my daughter and me talk about race, identity, and the realities of adoption. As a published book, it’s helping many other families do the same.
“Come Play with Me!”
Projective play can help kids work out complex feelings about adoption. So, the next time your child says, “Come play with me!” Make sure you say, “Yes!”
Ask AF: Discussing an Unsuccessful Placement
Answers to your parenting questions.
It’s a Wrap! Adoption at the Movies 2014
A review of movies about adoption and foster care in 2014, along with questions and activities for families to have a discussion after the film.
Notable New Reads
Adoptive Families rounded up the best books about adoption published in 2014. Here are our favorites and new reads to add to your list.
“Don’t Tell Anyone I Was Adopted”
The school year brings the realization that not every child has two sets of parents. Here’s how to help your child cope.
“You Are Me — A Letter to My Son”
After four years of infertility, I was finally ready to entertain alternatives to producing a mirror image.
Alleviating Children’s Money Worries
The recession is a grown-up problem, but kids may be having money-related concerns of their own. Here’s how to calm their fears.
Ask AF: When a Partner Is Against a Second Adoption
“My child wants a sibling, and I’d like to adopt again, but my partner is against it (and has not been an very involved parent). What do I do?”
Ask AF: Talking About a Birth Parent’s Death
Our expert explains how to navigate the difficult discussions about a birth mother death with a very young child: what to say, and when to start talking.
Ask AF: Explaining Foster Care
Answers to your parenting questions.
Finding an Adoption Therapist
Sometimes, talking isn’t enough. Kids might need additional help. Use these tips for finding an adoption therapist, and knowing when you need one.
Dear Mom and Dad!
An adoptee’s letter to prospective parents lets them know what their children might be thinking.
Share Your Story: How Have You Told Your Child’s Adoption Story?
How have you handled conversations with your child about his or her adoption story? Real AF readers answer.
30 Questions All Adoptees Want Answered
All adoptees grow up with questions about their birth parents, the circumstances of their adoptions, and more. Here they are.
How to Talk About Adoption
10 tips for talking with your child about adoption, getting him to talk to you, and preparing him to talk to others, especially in school.
How to Talk About Birth Fathers with Young Children
Because young adopted children tend to focus on their birth mothers, you need to make a special effort to include their birth fathers.
“Someone I Will Never Know”
I had never met my child’s birth mother. Could I learn to love her?
Talking with Teens About Sex and Dating
Having “the talk” with your teen is necessary — and it can turn into an emotional conversation about birth parents.
Birth Parent Fantasies
Your child’s birth mother looms large in her imagination now. What’s your grade-schooler really thinking?