“At what age should we start letting our daughter take the lead in birth parent contact? I know that my daughter will be able to call her birth mom freely when she gets her own cellphone, so how do we step back responsibly?”
“On Parenting from Afar”
Once, I grieved the loss of a biological child. Nineteen years later, as I watch my son leap and soar (literally) into adulthood, I am at peace with my role of nurturing the many gifts built into his nature.
“Meeting Jennifer” – Opening a Foster Adoption
After adopting my children from foster care, we eased into contact with their birth mother. She and I—a conservative, suburban mom—couldn’t be more different, and I’m glad that’s the case. The kids have a special relationship with her that they can’t have with me.
What Do Preteens Think About Adoption?
Before the moody teen years, pre-adolescence can present its own challenges for parents. How should you respond to tweens’ questions about adoption or initiate conversation with a preteen who doesn’t seem eager to talk?
Helping Preteens Build a Life Story
As preteens strive to define themselves, they must work adoption into the story.
Adoption Through a Child’s Eyes
By tuning in to what children understand about adoption at different ages, our talks become richer, more intimate, and ultimately more effective.
Leaving Mom Behind
“Mom, just drop us off at the corner!”
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.
When It Comes to Homework—Are You Doing Too Much?
Battles over homework can disrupt family life any evening of the school week. To lessen the trauma, parents frequently step in to help and occasionally step over the line. We asked Anita Pollic, a fourth grade teacher at Lebanon Christian School in Lebanon, Ohio, about this important topic.
Finding Belonging in Pictures
After adopting older children, these parents found that maintaining a family photo album was a useful tool to encourage bonding.
Family Activities (That Don’t Involve Screens)
It can be a challenge to tear tweens away from their screens for some good old fashioned family bonding—until you try one of these activities!
Lending a Hand
Finding ways to “give back” as a family can be fun—and rewarding—for ‘tweens and parents alike.
How NOT to Be an Overprotective Parent
Overindulging our children works to their detriment. Learn whyand howto set limits for your preteen.
Honoring Different Talents and Skills Among Siblings
Each of your children has his own talents and abilities. How do you play fair?
Dealing with Divorce
How our children feel about a separation, and how we can help them cope.
A Growing Awareness
Between the ages of nine and 12, children register the meaning of adoption–and this can bring harder questions and more complex emotions. AF takes a look at what’s going on in the minds of preteens, and offers advice for talking with them.
Wanting to Be Like Everyone Else
Your preteen just wants to be cool. But how can he, when he’s “different”?
When Kids Deny Their Adoption
It’s not uncommon for preteens to pretend they weren’t adopted, in an effort to not be different.
It’s All Relative!
Nothing brings out a tween’s awkward side like a holiday family gathering. What can you do to help?
[Book Review] Red Thread Sisters
A brief review of Red Thread Sisters, an engaging novel your middle-schooler will enjoy.