When you form a transracial family, you must build in a system to combat racism.
“Our Passage to India”
Traveling to our daughters’ birth country allowed us to bond, both with their ethnic heritage and our fellow travelers.
“Looking for Answers in Guatemala”
When it came to locating our daughter’s birth mother in Guatemala, we didn’t know where to begin. But we knew that we had to try.
“Visiting Our Son’s Birth Country: The Land of Contrasts”
“Make the trip, you won’t be sorry.” Our journey to our son’s birth country—and to visit his foster mother—was an exhilarating experience.
Book Review: Finding Miracles
This story of a teen adopted from Latin America tackles questions of identity, race, birth culture, and more.
“Can Black Children Wear Watermelons?”
Many symbols commonly found on children’s clothing connote racist stereotypes of black people. Knowing this, should transracial adoptive parents still dress their black children in onesies and shirts featuring monkeys, zebras, and watermelons?
Heritage Camp: It’s for the Whole Family
I can’t imagine sending my children to an experience this profound without being with them.
“My Child is Being Teased at School”
Sometimes school brings tough situations, like teasing, tricky assignments, and nosy questions. When should kids handle things on their own, and when should a parent step in?
Summer Heritage Guide: If You Have a Weekend or Less
Great heritage ideas that dont require plane ticketsor even a full tank of gas.
“Loving My Daughter, A Country Apart”
I didn’t travel to meet my new daughter. But nothing could stop me from becoming Maura’s mommy.
How Will We Teach Our Child About Her Culture?
Even after twenty years, adoptive families are still grappling with some of the same issues and questions about raising their children in an interracial family.
Hosting an Exchange Student
Yuka didnt teach us Chinese language, traditions, or cooking. What she did provide, however, was an excellent role model.
Music, Food, and Love!
One foster-turned-adoptive-mother shares how cooking brings her family together.
“Adopting From Russia…Again?”
One thing led to another, and we became—unexpectedly—twice blessed.
“The Red Thread of Fate”
More than a decade ago, I was hopefully working my way toward an adoption from China. After a tragedy derailed my plans, I wound my way to family in an entirely different way.
10 Questions to Ask When Considering a Heritage Camp
Most are designed for families. Other camps are just for kids, such as Holt Adoptee Camp (right), a sleep-away experience for children ages nine to 16.
“American-Indian, Indian-American”
American by birth, Indian by virtue of being raised by us, the hyphen may define my twins more than either of the terms throughout their lives.
“Breaking New Ground”
In the days leading up to a second adoption, a mother worries: Are we about to turn our lives upside down? How will our daughter handle losing her position at the center of our attention? Will I be able to make room in my heart for another child?
Chicken Feet for Thanksgiving
Tradition and ritual, especially during the holidays, signal security and family pride. And if you get creative, they just might reflect your distinct personalities, too.
The Hunt for Diversity in Small Town America
It’s hard enough to achieve a strong ethnic identity in a big city, but for those of us living in rural areas, the challenge can be even greater.