Features
Magical Moments of 2013 Cover Photo Contest
We asked to see our readers’ cutest and cuddliest photos. See the winners!
Fostering Positive Perceptions
When asked about the U.S. foster care system, many respondents weren’t sure what was myth and what was truth. Learn the facts.
Supporting Birth Mothers, Strengthening Families
Women who place a child for adoption often have unmet needs, says a national survey. On Your Feet Foundation provides insight into birth mothers’ emotional experiences and life after placement.
Emotional Pictures
Use this guide to plan a family movie night or two. These flicks will captivate your kids, and open up adoption talks long after the credits have rolled.
30 Ways to Celebrate National Adoption Awareness Month
Ideas for raising adoption awareness in your community.
Handout: Helping Classmates Understand Adoption
Distribute this handout to other parents at your child’s school, or send it home with his classmates after an adoption presentation.
Personal Essays
“She’s Leaving Home“
My daughter, whom I swear I just brought home yesterday, is gracefully settling into college. As for me…
“Certificate of Live Birth and Parentage“
My son’s birth mother’s identity is not a secret to us. Her name should be on his birth certificate, too!
“Playing for Real“
My daughter’s vivid fantasy life brought therapeutic benefits to both of us—and a whole lot of fun.
“Welcome to the Family“
After discouraging our family from traveling to be there when our daughter was born, I mourned their absence at the hospital. Enter her birth relatives.
“Nine Belated Birthdays“
My daughter’s tenth birthday was the first one we were part of, and the first birthday party she’d ever had. Here’s how and why we decided to redo all the others.
Growing Up Adopted
The Early Years: Re-establishing Sleep Patterns
How parents can help a newly adopted baby to sleep soundly—on his own.
Preschool: Adoption Playgroups
An adoption playgroup can be a wonderful source of support for parents, as well as children.
Elementary: The Very Quiet Child
All kids are shy sometimes, but what can a parent do for a child who is painfully introverted? Start with these 10 tips.
Middle and High School: Birth Parent Fantasies
Your teen probably spends a lot of time thinking (or fantasizing) about her birth mother. Here’s how to get some of those thoughts out in the open.
The Experts
25 Ways to Nurture Hurt Children
The coauthors of Parenting the Hurt Child offer 25 ways parents can nurture a child adopted at an older age and begin the bonding and attachment cycle.
Which Laws Apply to My U.S. Adoption?
In an domestic adoption, it’s not always clear-cut which state’s laws will apply to the process. An adoption attorney explains how to determine “choice of law.”
Departments
ASK AF
- Explaining Foster Care to Kids
- Wanting Family to Be “Fair”
- Building Meaningful Connections
- Family Doesn’t Understand Why We’re Adopting
AF PICKS: Gifts that Give Back
Thank You to This Issue’s Sponsors:
America’s Christian Credit Union
American Embryo Registry
Dave Thomas Foundation
Gerber
Similac
Bethany Christian Services
Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital
Forever Families Through Adoption
Independent Adoption Center
Michael S. Goldstein, Adoption and Family Law
Adoption by Shepherd Care
Adoptions from the Heart
Adoptive Parents Committee
Children’s Connections Inc.
Cono Christian School
EAC
US Adopt
Valley Health System