Before first grade, parents need to teach kids how to respond to unwelcome comments about adoption at school.
Ask AF: Talking About Adoption in School
We’re moving to a much smaller and less diverse town. I would like to talk to give an adoption talk at her school, but she seems embarrassed by this idea.
Ask AF: Invasion of Privacy
We have emphasized that our kids should choose whether to share (or not) their adoptive status, but some of our friends don’t seem to get it and tell others.
How to Explain Adoption to Family and Friends
The way you respond to questions like, “What is adoption?” can influence how a person understands adoptive families–and explains them to others. Use these ideas to correct misinformation and set a positive tone.
Answering Relatives’ Tricky Questions About Adoption
Adoptive parents are used to fielding questions about adoption — and most of us have an arsenal of replies to give the stranger in the checkout lane, but when it’s a family member making the rude remark, snappy comebacks don’t suffice.
It’s All Relative!
Nothing brings out a tween’s awkward side like a holiday family gathering. What can you do to help?
“Too Many Questions”
When you and your child look different, the world wants to know why.
Ask AF: Kids’ Adoption Books to Donate
Answers to your parenting questions.
Ask AF: Blogging Basics
I’d like to blog to document our adoption process, and keep far-flung families up-to-date, but I’m not tech-savvy.
Ask AF: Answering Questions in Front of Kids
Answers to your parenting questions.
To the White Parents of My Black Son’s Friends
But here’s the thing—as much as we can try to protect him and teach him to protect himself, there may come a time when your child will be involved. As the parents of the white friend of my black son, I need you to be talking to your child about racism.
“Here’s How You Can Support Us”
We may tell you that we are OK when we’re really falling apart. We’re worried that, if we are honest about how difficult parenting through the transition is, you won’t understand and that you’ll think we’re nuts.
Who Needs to Know Your Child’s Adoption Story?
Should I tell my child’s doctor she was adopted? What about her school?
How and When to Share Your Adoption News
Our adoptive families recommend that you share your plans in stages. While adoptions take, on average, one year from the date your home study is accepted, you won’t be in control of the timing. And if yours drags on, the last thing you want is daily phone calls asking, “So … any news?”
“My So-Called Friends”
The other day, I mentioned to a coworker that my husband and I were looking into international adoption. You’d have thought I said we were thinking of becoming terrorists. “What do you mean, you’re going to adopt from Russia? What about all the kids in Milwaukee who need good homes?” she demanded indignantly.
“Should I Play the ‘Adoption Card’?”
I began to have second thoughts about sharing my story in application essays — just as it’s no one else’s business, it shouldn’t factor into a college’s decision to accept me.
Ask AF: When a Child Looks Like One Parent
Answers to your parenting questions.
“What Will This Baby Be Like?”
A mother shares the “new, unexpected, and amazing” attributes of her adopted son, of which no one talked about at the start of their adoption journey.
Positive Adoption Language
By using positive adoption language, we can educate others and help combat stereotypes about adoption.
For Adoptive Parents: Helping Adopted Teenagers Stand on Their Own
In the middle-school years, parents must step back and help their child learn to stand up for herself, in school and in the larger world.