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.
Lifebook Lessons
Five experts answer your questions in this how-to guide for creating what will likely become your child’s favorite read-to-me book.
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?”
“Where Did You Get Those Dimples?”
Even among same-race families physical differences can prompt curious questions. How did you handle it?
Are Adoptees Selfish For Wanting To Search?
Finding my birth family has never been an attempt to replace anyone else, but simply an effort to find myself, a desire my adoptive family understands.
“Prison Baby”
In this personal essay, one adoptee describes all the questions she wanted to ask her birth mother when she visited her birth country: a jail.
Ask AF: Creating a Lifebook for a Teen
One adoptive mother wonders if she should make a lifebook, even though she doesn’t have many photos of his life before he came to her. AF readers respond.
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?
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.
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.
Ask AF: Explaining Foster Care
Answers to your parenting questions.
Book Excerpt: The Mercy Rule
Read an excerpt from Perri Klass’ new novel about a pediatrician who grew up in foster care — and now works with similar at-risk patients.
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.
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.
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.
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.