Answers to your parenting questions.
Nosy Questions, Little Ears
Ever since our children were babies, we’ve heard them, ignored them, and answered them. But how do we handle them in the preschool years?
“What Is Family?”
Being an adoptive parent begs the question, “what makes a family?” How I helped others to understand that my son by adoption is simply my son.
“Open Minds, Open Hearts”
Five years ago, my husband Pat and I knew nothing about open adoption. Today, we are staunch advocates of it and the very proud parents of two beautiful children who came home to us through open adoption. The journey to our children and to lovingly accept open adoption, however, was not an easy one. We learned that having an open mind was the key to having an open heart.
Adoption in Prime Time: NBC’s Parenthood
How adoptive parents feel about the adoption storyline on NBC’s Parenthood
Ask AF: Secrecy or Privacy?
Answers to your parenting questions.
Parent-to-Parent: The Great Gotcha Debate
The term “Gotcha Day” has ardent fans and strong detractors in the adoption community. We asked Adoptive Families readers how they feel about it, and whether they use the term in their family. Here’s what you said.
Parent-To-Parent: Sharing Our News
On our Facebook page we asked readers: After you decided to adopt, who was the first person you told? What did he or she say? Here are some of your responses.
A Few of Our Favorite Blogs
Looking for a new read? Check out these blogs on adoption, foster care, and life after infertility.
Putting Your Feelings on Paper
Infertility, parenting after adoption, growing up in an adoptive family, relinquishing a child—all give rise to complex emotions. Learn about the innovative Therapeutic Writing model that’s helping many lay bare and make sense of their innermost thoughts.
Ask AF: Explaining that We’re the Lucky Ones!
Answers to your parenting questions.
Whose Story Is It, Anyway?
Sharing information about your family gets trickier as your child grows older.
“Where Did You Get Those Dimples?”
Even among same-race families physical differences can prompt curious questions. How did you handle it?
Ask AF: Proof of Parenthood
When I take my daughter of a different race to the dentist or gym, I’m often asked to provide a document confirming my parenthood. Is this OK?
Our Readers Share: The Best and Worst Comments About Adoption
We asked our readers, and they shared the rudest and most beautiful comments about adoption they’ve heard from friends, strangers, and family alike.
Winning Over the Grandparents-To-Be
Even the most eager grandparents-to-be need time to work through concerns about adoption.
When Other Adoptive Parents Don’t Understand
Acknowledging our connection to all adoptive families strengthens our children’s place in the world.
Adoption Through the Eyes of a Brother
One brother remembers all of the questions strangers and friends asked about his adopted sister from ages 5 to 15, and how he responded.
Share Your Story: Intrusive Questions
Our readers share their stories about how they handle intrusive questions about adoption.
“I’m a Lot Like You”
In a letter to her son’s kindergarten class, a ghost-writing mom explains what it means to be adopted and to have cerebral palsy.