Features
Classroom Consciousness
Finding the right school for your child is a personal, and sometimes emotional, process — especially when considering diversity and academic excellence.
Secrets of Successful Adoption Travel
You’ll always remember the trip you take to meet your child. Here’s how to minimize travel headaches, so the memories will center around your newest family member.
Expecting the Unexpected
When you adopt a toddler or an older child, be prepared to encounter some surprising behaviors. Experts and parents share their strategies and successes.
Is Adoption “Sad”?
Our children must ultimately answer that question for themselves. Here’s how we can talk with them about the range of emotions they may feel about their origins.
Personal Essays
“Wearing the Adoption Cape“
I used to be all about saving the world–and my kids–from stupid “adoption-speak.” Then I learned that being a mom isn’t about the heroics.
“Back to Their Beginnings“
For children born domestically, and adopted at birth, a visit to the hospital where they were born can help to fill in the gaps in their stories.
“Great Non-Expectations“
The intense motherly love that washed over me after Jack’s adoption was a shock to everyone — especially me.
“India In My Heart“
Our path to family had its share of twists and turns. That was how we landed at Plan J, also known as becoming parents through surrogacy in India.
“Mateo’s Family Tree“
My son, adopted from Guatemala, does not know his birth mother or his pre-adoption story. A recent pregnancy in our community brought this back to light.
News
Adoption Options May Be Decreasing in the U.S.
Growing Up Adopted
The Early Years: Healthy Eyes and Ears
Your newly adopted infant has a lot of information to take in. Proper screening will ensure that he’s tuned in.
Preschool: Adoption in Preschool
Sometimes, a behind-the-scenes talk with the teacher better serves your child than a class presentation.
Elementary: Step Back at School
When adoption comes up in the classroom, you can’t always help your child handle it. Here’s how to set up your child to advocate for herself at school.
Middle & High School: Standing Up to Bullies
Adopted children may be bullied about their race, their family status, or just for being “different.” Help your child stand up to tormentors with these strategies.
The Experts
First Days with Baby
We’re adopting a baby, but as first-time parents, we don’t know a thing about newborn care. What do we need to know?
Handling Transitions
Life’s transitions can be hard on children. Here’s how to help your child develop his own ways to cope.
The Birth Mother Relationship
Here’s what to keep in mind when you start the process of locating a potential birth mother.
Departments
ASK AF
- Discussing an Unsuccessful Placement
- Comments on Beauty
- Gaining Comfort with Adoption Talk
- An Agency Hurdle
PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS: Welcome into Our Hearts
Thank You to This Issue’s Sponsors:
Gerber
Nature’s One
Parent Match
Adoption ARC
Adoption Services Associates
Americans for International Aid and Adoption
Beacon House Adoption Services
Bethany Christian Services
US Adopt
Adopt From Poland
Adoption-Link
Adoption Nutrition
Adoptions from the Heart
Adoptive Parents Committee
Children’s Connections, Inc.
Children’s Health
Childrens’ Home Society of Minnesota
Cleveland Clinic
Cono Christian School
Dillon International
European Adoption Consultants
Spence-Chapin
Susan Parr Travel
Valley Health System