We all imagine different ways our lives could have played out. For adoptees, these fantasies may seem particularly compelling: ‘What would my life have been like if I had not been adopted?’
“This Is For Real”
An unexpected emergency tests the strength of a mother-daughter bond.
Parent-to-Parent: “Your Child Looks Just Like You!”
We asked our readers how they respond when someone comments that their child “looks just like” them. Read the answers.
“Finding Peace Through the Adoptee Community”
The Chinese adoptee community moved across oceans, grew up in interracial families, and is now navigating young adulthood. We hold a special place in history—but long to know our own personal beginnings.
Teens Speak Out About Open Adoption
Three adolescents share their experiences with open adoption, and how they feel about their relationships with their birth family.
“Mom, Were You Alive During Woodstock?”
Age limits for those adopting have been stretched or even eliminated. How might this affect the children of these “older” parents?
“Mommy, Were You Adopted?”
I’m not sure why I never told my children. But when they asked, I knew it was time to end the secrecy for good.
Motherhood? Me? You’ve Got to Be Kidding!
Having children was something that other people did. But giving birth has given me a sense of connection I never felt before.
“5 Things I Wish My White Parents Knew”
Transracial adoptees often grow up knowing that their families love them, but not truly feeling included or close to them. Here’s what would have helped in raising a black child in a white family and a racist world.
Navigating the Teen Years, Part 2: Maintaining Your Emotional Connection
Teens don’t tend to talk with their friends about their feelings about being adopted, being teased, or other tough topics. But if you have a healthy, trusting relationship, they’ll open up to you. An adoption therapist advises on maintaining an empathic connection with your teen.
“I’m an Adoptee and Adoptive Parent”
My daughters and I have something important in common. We share the experience of joining a family through adoption.
[Book Excerpt]: Lucky Girl
In this excerpt from her memoir, Lucky Girl, Meiling Hopgood describes her initial rejection of “looking Asian” growing up in mostly-White rural Michigan, and how she learned to embrace her Chinese heritage.
Three Stories: Unexpected Birth Family Reunions
Today, as more and more adoptees reach adulthood, they are finding birth relatives-or are being found by them. Whether a child is from the U.S., Guatemala, Russia, or China, she may one day be in touch with her first family. These stories, each detailing an unexpected family reunion, may well reflect the complexity of what is ahead.
Navigating the Teen Years, Part 1: Setting “Adoption-Sensitive” Limits
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.
Searching for Family Resemblance
For a mom who was adopted as an infant, the realization that her children look like her takes on special meaning.
Adopted and Black in Middle America
Michelle Johnson, 38, adopted by white parents and raised in suburban Minneapolis, recently spoke with AF about her experiences.
“The Wrong Kind of Asian”
I have confused and disappointed many people in my lifetime because I don’t look or behave the way they think an Asian ought to look or behave.
Listen to the Children
A callous foster care system deprived her of parents and siblings and gave precious little in return.
“I Forgot to Be Scared”
A 13-year-old shares his adoption story.
Raising Black Children to Become Black Adults
An adult adoptee discusses ‘the Talk’—what white parents who adopt Black children must tell them about racism, interacting with the police, and staying safe.