As a teen, your child still needs and wants you to be a strong parent—not in a controlling fashion, but as a reliable authority in his or her life. Read on for 10 ways to establish yourself in this role.
“Dear Other Mothers…Thank You”
My greatest joy, becoming a mother, happened because both of my children lost the one person no child should have to lose.
Ask AF: New Feelings About Adoption as a Teen
“After years of seeming OK about being adopted, my teenage daughter has become sad and angry about it recently. How can I help her deal with her new emotions?”
Dealing with the Unwanted Spotlight
When children enter a family as older children or teens, or even when older children who are adopted move from one school setting to another, some of the ordinary issues of school life can become complicated for them.
Confronting Stereotypes and Prejudice About Adoption
“Adopted Teen Arrested,” the newspaper headline reads (never “Birth Teen Arrested”). Is this just another example of sensationalism by the media or do adopted teens get into more trouble than their non-adopted peers?
Is College Right for Your Teen?
Some teens are ready to go away to school and hit the books. Others may need different options.
When “What Should I Wear?” Gets More Complicated
Negotiate a set of fashion “dos” both you and your daughter can live with.
Dealing with Loss of a Grandparent
Often, the loss of a grandparent will be your child’s first experience with death. If a child is close to her grandparent, the loss will be that much harder.
Supporting Your Teen’s Developing Identity
Questions from their peers get more complicated for our teens—and their peers’ questions may reflect their own worries about adoption.
“Is That Your Family?”
By now, you and your teen have established a firm family bond. But outsiders may not see it that way.
Ask AF: Readjusting to Younger Kids as an Older Mom
An older mom who’s enjoyed the relative freedom of parenting teens is nervous about readjusting to more hands-on parenting when she adopts a young child. Parents who have been there offer advice.
Teens in Search of Romance
Families whose friendships cross racial lines send a clear message about whom their kids can date.
Alleviating Adoptee Stress at School
Every Sunday evening, at the Gordon house, 10-year-old Kelly began complaining about something. Her pains ranged from stomachaches to sore throats. She said she felt too unwell to go to school the next day.
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!
“Bonding with My Teen in the Baby Department”
My daughter came to me at nine years old, so neither of us knows what she looked like as a baby, but walking these aisles is a way for us to recreate what we both lost.
“I Forgot to Be Scared”
A 13-year-old shares his adoption story.
“Is Blood Really Thicker Than Water?”
I could have merely been her stepmother, but Taylor and I chose to love each other. Not even adolescence can take that away from us.
Ask the Transracial Parenting Expert: Teens and Dating
Our 14-year-old daughter is starting high school this fall. What might we expect in terms of dating?
Ask the Transracial Parenting Expert: Helping Teens Answer Questions About Race
“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?”
When Teens Find Birth Family Online
Got a Web-savvy teen on your hands? Here’s how to set safety guidelines for online birth family contact.