Betsy Keefer Smalley and Jayne E. Schooler’s book will help parents who are struggling to find the right words to tell an adoption story in a positive and realistic way.
A Few of Our Favorite Blogs
Looking for a new read? Check out these blogs on adoption, foster care, and life after infertility.
“Letting Our Story Soar”
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.
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.
“A Hunger for Words”
The elusive memory of a kindred spirit has steered me, over the years, toward the heart of my own story.
“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!”
“Family by Choice”
One adoptive mother describes her dad’s decision to make her legally his daughter by stepparent adoption, and how it influenced her understanding of family.
Thanks for the Memories!
A lifebook can fill in the gaps of your child’s early story — and creating it can be a fun project for all of you.
Intercountry Adoption — Talking Truthfully About Trafficking
Talking to your child about the possibility of trafficking is not easy. Here’s how to open the dialogue.
Ask AF: Discussing an Unsuccessful Placement
Answers to your parenting questions.
“Three Little Words on My Adoption Day”
A decade of disappointing foster care placements made me doubt the two people who had taken me into their hearts.
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.
“When My Birth Mom Was an Astronaut”
I looked for my birth mother everywhere. For a little while, I found her on the Space Shuttle.
“In Our Own Words”: Two Adoptees’ Stories
Stop wondering how your child feels about adoption and start listening to the many adult adoptees who are sharing their experiences.
“Did You Ever Mind It?”: On Race and Adoption
I tell prospective adoptive parents to take a good, hard look at their social circles, their neighborhoods, their churches, their communities and think about how those places and spaces will look and feel to their child.
Ask AF: Explaining that We’re the Lucky Ones!
Answers to your parenting questions.
“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.
Whose Story Is It, Anyway?
Sharing information about your family gets trickier as your child grows older.
“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.