Our older child adoption expert explains what works, and what is sure to fail when disciplining your child.
Small Wonders: Adopting a Toddler
Straddling the line between infancy and autonomy, toddlers experience adoption in unique ways. Here’s what you need to know to face the challenge.
[BOOK EXCERPT] Attaching Through Love, Hugs, and Play
Using fun and games to connect with your child can reduce stress for both of you and lead to a secure, enjoyable relationship. A leading attachment therapist explains playful yet powerful ways to build lasting bonds.
Ask AF: Introducing Boundaries
Answers to your parenting questions.
Ask AF: Jealous of Dad
Answers to your parenting questions.
[Book Review] No Matter What
Sally Donovan’s memoir is an honest portrayal of the challenges of adopting from foster care.
[Book Review] Attaching Through Love, Hugs and Play
The author of Attaching in Adoption has released another book on bonding at any age.
Parents Share: Our Bonding Experience
Every family bonds differently. Here, readers share what worked for them.
Overcoming Obstacles to Bonding
Bonding won’t always be automatic. Read up on common problems you and your child might encounter.
Bonding and Attachment Basics for You and Your Child
How can I bond with a child that “isn’t mine”?
An Age-by-Age Guide to Bonding
No matter how old your child is when she comes home, learn how to boost her attachment and connect her to her new family.
What if My Adoption Fails?
Adoptions fall apart at different stages (with different legal consequences), and there are different reasons for each kind of failure.
Bonding While You Work
Adoptive Families readers received, on average, 9.6 weeks of leave from work. Here’s how to make an informed childcare decision, and keep the transition from disrupting your bond.
Ask AF: Will Multiple Family Moves Disrupt Attachment?
Our daughter came home two years ago, at 11 months old. In that time, we moved in with my parents while we built a new house, then moved into that house, and, now, it looks like we will have to move again for a new job.
Connecting Through Everyday Baby Care
Dressing, feeding, burping, tickling, tucking into bed — the nuts and bolts of baby care bring the moments that can draw you together.
One Big, Happy Family
Your beloved pet may be in for a shock when your baby arrives. How can you help him accept your new addition?
Telling Your Family’s Story
Sure, celebrations and rituals are important to have in adoptive families, but so are ways to preserve and keep these memories alive.
“I Needed This All Along”
Five years on: We have been “trying” for three years, and now are deep into the medical crapshoot of infertility treatment. Soon it becomes clear that we will never have our own biological children.
Becoming a Mom or a Dad In Our Hearts
When did you know you were truly your child’s mother or father?
Setting Appropriate Behavioral Expectations
When younger children misbehave, they may not really know that they are misbehaving, and can be easily distracted or physically moved. But by age three to five, a child should be more aware of inappropriate behavior.