When an anonymous poster invaded our neighborhood message board, I knew I had to answer back.
“Yes, Black Women Do Adopt”
Talking with Black women about adoption became a routine part of motherhood for me, alongside diapers, homework, and the warmth I feel every time I look at my son.
Is PAL Too PC?
Positive adoption language helps correct misunderstandings about adoption. But is it too politically correct?
Their Questions About Adoption, Our Answers
Short answers to questions people ask about adoption, plus the straight facts, if you want to educate.
“We Did Not ‘Save’ Our Son”
Saying Matthew was “saved” implies doubt about his desirability, his worthiness to be adopted. “After all, you didn’t have to take in this baby,” is the unspoken message.
Be an Adoption Ambassador
As you well know, after becoming a parent, you’ll also take on the role of adoption ambassador, fielding questions from and encouraging would-be adopters. We’ve compiled the responses and back-up data that will set you up for the task.
A Striking Resemblance!
Families who “match” don’t have to answer many nosy questions. Instead, they must decide whom, when, and what to tell.
A Mother by Any Other Name
Is the term ‘birth mother’ an example of appropriate, positive language — or an offensive and demeaning label?
Helping Family Understand Open Adoption
Your family — especially older relatives — may not get why you are choosing an open adoption. Adoption expert Kathleen Silber gives advice on what to say.
Accurate Adoption Language
Help journalists use language that conveys the fact that adoptive families are just like any other by passing along this suggested adoption stylebook.
“Certificate of Live Birth and Parentage”
The document we receive is not called a Mothering Certificate, it’s a Certificate of Live Birth. So why isn’t the birth mother’s name on there?
“Who’s His Real Mom?”
My little brother was stunned, and I was enraged, when a schoolmate asked an innocent question.
Favorite Reads of 2013
Many new books with adoption storylines or themes were published in 2013. Here are your favorites, for parents and children, with our picks added to the list.
Private Isn’t Secret
Nosy comments from strangers are one thing. But what do you do when it’s a child who’s asking difficult questions?
When They Just Don’t Get It
The world knows a lot more about adoption these days, but not enough. It’s our job to keep chipping away at society’s biases, for the sake of our kids.
How I Explained Adoption to the First Grade
Using a favorite doll and a logic children can follow, one mother enlightens her daughter’s curious class about adoption.
Ask AF: Clearly Non-Identical Twins
Parents who adopted non-identical twins who have different skin tones wonder how to hand comments about adoption and race. Deborah Johnson offers advice on responding.
Should You Tell All?
Think carefully before sharing your child’s story with others.
A Letter to Your Child’s Teacher
Even a teacher sensitive to adoption may benefit from having words to say.
Ask AF: What’s the Big Secret?
My 8-year-old has always seemed comfortable about adoption. Recently, though, he’s been telling classmates that he was adopted, but asking them to keep it secret. Should I be worried?