We asked AF readers to tell us about their experiences with transracial adoption.
“Teaching My Son to Protect Himself in a Racist World”
As parents, we live in constant tension: How thoroughly should we prepare our kids for the ugliness that exists in the world? For my son’s safety, I can’t afford to be vague when it comes to racism.
Share Your Story: Transracial Parenting
We asked readers what tips, resources, experiences they had to say about transracial parenting. Here, we share their responses.
Building Your Child’s Sense of Self-Worth
Families that expand their worlds to incorporate all kinds of cultures help their children develop strong racial identities.
Three Stories: Unexpected Birth Family Reunions
Today, as more and more adoptees reach adulthood, they are finding birth relatives-or are being found by them. Whether a child is from the U.S., Guatemala, Russia, or China, she may one day be in touch with her first family. These stories, each detailing an unexpected family reunion, may well reflect the complexity of what is ahead.
Ask AF: Four-Year-Old Expressing Negativity About Her Skin Color
The mother of a preschooler shares her concern about negative comments her daughter has been making about her skin color. Parents who have been there offer advice.
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.
“Is That Your Family?”
By now, you and your teen have established a firm family bond. But outsiders may not see it that way.
“On Choosing, or Changing, Schools”
As I weighed diversity, academics, and other factors when choosing schools for my transracially adopted children, I perpetually second-guessed myself. But now that my kids are teens, I’m ready to trust their decisions.
Teens in Search of Romance
Families whose friendships cross racial lines send a clear message about whom their kids can date.
Adopted and Black in Middle America
Michelle Johnson, 38, adopted by white parents and raised in suburban Minneapolis, recently spoke with AF about her experiences.
Finding Black Role Models For My Children
Seeking and being embraced by members of the black community made me realize how much I need them to successfully raise my daughters.
“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.
“The Wrong Kind of Asian”
I have confused and disappointed many people in my lifetime because I don’t look or behave the way they think an Asian ought to look or behave.
Ask AF: My Child Was Told by Peers That She’s “Not Really Chinese”
A parent reaches out for help after taunting at school left her daughter feeling shaken to the core and that she doesn’t belong anywhere. An adult adoptee and transracial adoption expert offers advice.
25 Children’s Books That Showcase Diversity
Kids need to be able to find characters who look like them in the books on their shelves. Here are some of our favorites that provide that powerful affirmation.
“Let’s Be Fair”
At nine, my daughter is becoming aware of the many ways in which the world is unjust, and is doing her part to promote fairness where she can.
“I Forgot to Be Scared”
A 13-year-old shares his adoption story.
Raising Black Children to Become Black Adults
An adult adoptee discusses ‘the Talk’—what white parents who adopt Black children must tell them about racism, interacting with the police, and staying safe.
[BOOK EXCERPT] The Hundred-Year Flood
This poetic novel features a transracial adoptee protagonist as he explores his identity and seeks answers about his past in an unfamiliar city. Accompanying the excerpt is a Q&A with the author, Matthew Salesses.