If we’re white, we experience many benefits of unearned status because we’re “the norm.” But adoptive families are not considered the norm. Now what?
When Children Deny Their Heritage
A strong connection to role models and to others who share their ethnic background is as important now as ever.
Ask AF: Parenting a Biracial Adoptee
I am having a hard time finding resources about transracial adoption in which the child is of mixed race.
“On Becoming African American”
Raised in a white community, I’ve just begun to embrace my heritage.
Ask AF: Resources for Biracial Adoptees
I have a biracial daughter and was wondering about books, stories, and articles that address the questions that arise when the child is of mixed heritage.
When Your Child is of a Different Race
If you build a positive self-image for your child, he’ll be able to thrive in a world that is not always fair.
“Do Fan Dances and Tea Ceremonies Really Teach Us Anything?”
The museum view of culture and heritage ignores the realities of life as a racial minority. But there is a middle ground.
“Teaching My Children That Black Is Beautiful”
I tell my African-American children that they are smart and beautiful because I know that the world may tell them otherwise.
Ask AF: Wishing She Looked Like Mom
Answers to your parenting questions.
Ask AF: Biracial and Multiracial Identity
My daughter’s birth parents are Caucasian and African-American. How should we talk with her about race? How do we fill out forms that ask about race and allow you to check only one box?
Ask AF: When a Child’s Race is Ambiguous
Answers to your parenting questions.
Webinar Replay: Growing Up as a Transracial Adoptee
View the replay of this webinar with Deborah H. Johnson—on growing up as a transracial adoptee and what parents today need to know about talking about race and adoption, finding role models for their children, dealing with teasing, and more.
Ask AF: Feeling Bad About Being Different
Answers to your parenting questions.
Ask AF: Reading Up on Racism
Answers to your parenting questions.
Two Adoptees on Going “Home” to China, Again
After a birth country visit to China that was too much, too soon for my seven-year-old daughter, she and a friend returned on their own terms as teens. The trip helped them imagine what their lives might have been and explore their Chinese-American identities.
[Book Review] Saving the Dream
A reader reviews Saving the Dream, a novel that explores the “What if?” questions that plague many families.
“My Daughter’s Loving, Supportive Role Model”
I don’t always know how our racial differences affect my daughter. But I know that having a role model of the same race has been a blessing for her — and for me.
“Finding Tess”
India Camp gives our daughter a chance to be around kids just like her. Along the way, she’s discovered her true self.
When Kids Face Racism at School
Racial bullying is especially harmful. Here are some strategies to help your child cope and respond to racial teasing.
“Journey to Calcutta”
Despite my parents’ urging, I had always rejected my Indian identity. At 21, I learned to embrace it.