Our seven-year-old biological son seems to swing between feeling left out because his siblings (both adopted) have “other families” to feeling that they can’t be part of our family because they have “other” families.
Ask AF: Upset About Mom’s Pregnancy
Q: We adopted our daughter from foster care at age 11. Two months ago, I found out I was pregnant. At first she was very excited, but now she huffs or changes the subject whenever it comes up. I’m sure she’s upset that she’ll have to share her room and her parents, but how can I prove that our love for her will remain the same?
“If at First You Don’t Succeed…”
Before trying to have kids, I’d never failed at anything. Though I still believe in planning and hard work, it was something else that brought me my two beautiful boys.
Bringing Up Birth Siblings
Our daughter has birth siblings she doesn’t know about, but we don’t know how to tell her.
A New ‘Forever’
Adoptive children can feel familial changes, like divorce after adoption, particularly keenly. Use these tips to help kids adapt to new stepparents.
“How was the bonding?”
The woman’s question was the very one I had long ago asked strangers. And it was one I’d had to find the answer to on my own.
In Memory of Fisseha “Sol” Samuel, 1994-2014
The full text of the moving eulogies given by Melissa Fay Greene and Lee Samuel for her 20-year-old son, Fisseha “Sol” Samuel.
“The Same, But Different”
When an adopted child gets most of your attention, it doesn’t mean you love your other child less.
Is Sibling Rivalry Another Name for Love?
In these three blended families, love and conflict are all part of the package.
“Becoming Craig’s Mother”
My younger son’s arrival signaled the end to a decade of heartache due to secondary infertility. So why was I so sad?
Making Blended Families Work
Blended families flourish when they recognize their differences and celebrate their choices, says this father of two.
“Our Visible, Multiracial Family”
Although my wife and I talked a great deal about race before we decided on a transracial adoption, we didn’t fully appreciate how conspicuous our family would become. Quite simply, we now stick out in a crowd.
Teens in Blended Families
When their family also includes biological children, adoptees can have complex feelings about siblings and their own sense of belonging.
“Why Am I the Only One Who’s Pink?”
Being Mom to “virtual twins”—one African-American, one white; one adopted, one biological—has taught me to validate both of my children for who they are.
“Should I Proclaim My Family’s Multiracial Identity?”
My son’s Mexican heritage is not apparent to others. Is it my responsibility to identify ourselves as a multiracial family?
“Too Soon for a Family Vacation”: Older Child Adjustment
What we should have known before we took our newly adopted 13-year-old on a surprise Disney World vacation.
The Dream of a Family
All kinds of couples, even LGBT couples, are turning to adoption to build their forever families.
“Our Dog Helped My Daughter Realize Family Is Forever”
Hugging our new dog, my daughter learns that no matter what the behavior, our family is forever.
[Book Excerpt] No Biking in the House Without a Helmet
Melissa Fay Greene flawlessly captures the journey of building a family through adoption in this heartwarming memoir.
“The Open Door”
My new child opened up my apartment — and my world — to a new group of friends.