When my transracially adopted son was teased about adoption at school, he came home upset—and also bewildered about how his friend could have known. When I heard this (and when it came out that he wasn’t wholly innocent in the exchange), was it wrong that my reaction turned from anger to laughter?
My Daughter, the Shoplifter
When children engage in petty theft, are they beginning a life of crime or just engaged in a naughty prank?
Answering Kids’ Big Questions About Birth Parents
Between the ages of six and eight, children begin to ask more sophisticated questions about adoption. Here are some ways to respond.
How to Talk About “Dad” in Single Mother Families
Single-parent homes are more common now, but kids still grapple with the daddy question.
“My Child is Being Teased at School”
Sometimes school brings tough situations, like teasing, tricky assignments, and nosy questions. When should kids handle things on their own, and when should a parent step in?
When Classmates Ask
How can you help your child answer adoption questions with confidence—and handle any queries that come your way?
Stepping Back at School
As your child progresses through elementary school, she should take more responsibility for handling tricky assignments. Here’s how to hand off the reins.
Exploring Family Roots at School
The family tree assignment is a perfect opportunity to answer your child’s questions about adoption.
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.
Packing a School Lunch Your Picky Eater Will Devour
Picky eating is common in children—and as a parent, it’s probably driving you crazy. Here, simple strategies (like using a cookie cutter!) help make sure your child gets enough to eat.
Sometimes Making Friends Takes Practice
Some children seem to know the rules naturally, others need a little help.
Privacy, Please!
Surprised by your grade-schoolers sudden need for personal space? Don’t be. It’s normal.
What’s on Their Minds?
As grade-school kids learn more about adoption, they begin to ask more questions. How do you respond?
“What is Adoption?”
When your child’s classmates have questions, you can provide the answers.
Learning to Make Mistakes
Some of our kids turn into perfectionists during grade school. Is there a link to adoption?
A New Home, New Fears
A family move can be hard for any child.
Friendships with Fellow Adoptees
Adoptive parents share whether their children have friends who are also adoptees and, if so, how the children met.
The Best Adoption Books for Eager Readers
Now that your grade-schooler is reading on her own, she may rediscover some simple adoption books.
“A Different Definition of Family”
I am the white, single mother of an eight-year-old Asian girl, whom I adopted when she was six days old. As you can imagine, I have given a lot of thought to “the daddy question.”
Positive Parenting for Behavior Problems
When parents expect the worst from their children, they often get it.