“Last week, my teenage son told me that he was tired of having to explain himself wherever he goes. Why is this happening, and how can I help him?”
Shifting Your Mindset to Become a Multicultural Family
After you adopt a child from another culture, how do you adapt to life as a multicultural family?
“My Decision to Adopt Transracially”
I thought. I researched. I talked. But in the end, it took a leap of faith to adopt across racial lines.
“Adopting a White Child Across Racial Lines”
When the social worker brought my new daughter to my house, she wasn’t the African-American girl I was expecting. And so we became a transracial family.
“Inside/Outside”: The Transracial Adoptee Experience
30 years later: A special report on the Korean adoptee experience
Refugee Adoption: A Whole New World for Our Daughters
Although the adoption of refugee children was more complicated than I expected, it has been infinitely rewarding. These children and their past are now part of me.
Should We Be Color Blind?
Color blindness may not be the best approach for transracial families, explains a transracial parenting expert.
Breaking the Racial Sound Barrier
In a society that considers “color-blindness” a noble attitude, parents may worry about talking about racism, but we must do it. Here’s how.
“Rooting Our Children in Our Latino Heritage”
As Latino parents, we know firsthand the discrimination our children will face.
Responding to “Invisible” Racism
Our society has gotten to the point where most people can agree that overt racism is wrong. Few would argue that segregation or using a racial slur is acceptable. But many more subtle forms of racism persist. Here’s how to combat them.
Ask AF: Multicultural Adoption Support Groups
My wife and I are active in a group for families who adopted from China. Now that we’re adopting a second child, from Ethiopia, should we join another, or find a multicultural group?
Ask AF: Talking to Preschoolers About Racism
We’re ready to talk to our child, who is black, about racism before she starts school. What should we say?
Talking About Race and Racism
Racism exists, and it’s our job as parents to talk about it with our kids. Here’s an age-by-age guide to handling those conversations.
“Is My Asian Son a Whiz Kid?”
When my son was five months old, friends predicted he would be a good student — probably a mathematician.
“Bigotry, Blindness, and Basketball”
What started off as a fun day on the courts left my heart hurting for my two brown boys, and the kids who excluded them.
“Having ‘the Talk’ with My Black Son”
It’s not easy to teach your child that people may fear him because of the color of his skin—but it’s something parents through transracial adoption must do.
“Joining an African-American Church”
My wife and I were nervous the first Sunday we attended an African-American church. Would they welcome us? Would they stare? We should have had faith.
First Conversations with Kids About Race
Bringing up race and racism to your kid can be tough — but it should be done sooner rather than later.
“Cornrows Fit for a Ballerina!”
A simple hairstyle was not so simple for a dance class full of little girls with beautiful heads of black hair.
Helping Your Preschooler Feel Good About Race
Preschoolers are starting to notice racial differences. Adoptive parents have a responsibility to talk about them.