My child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) mentions the fact that he was adopted. Why would this be included? I asked that it be purged from his record, but the school hasn’t responded.
[BOOK EXCERPT] Everything You Ever Wanted
In this excerpt from her candid, hilarious, inspiring adoption memoir, Jillian Lauren explains how she and her husband addressed their son’s trauma and special needs and turned things around for him at home and at school. Accompanying the excerpt is a Q&A with the author.
Is This Normal? Speech Delays, Learning Disabilities, and Complications
What do I do if my child has emotional, behavioral, or academic problems?
Ask AF: Adoption Stigma at School
My daughter took a picture of her birth father to school. She proudly showed it and, when asked where he was, said “prison.” Since then, her best friend’s mother has forbid her daughter from playing with her.
“Pondering My Son Mateo’s Family Tree”
My son’s story started before I met him. His pre-adoption prologue is one I may never know. But of this I am sure: Mateo was born to be my son.
Talk to Me! — Treating Speech Delays in Adopted Children
Concerned about your child’s speech or language development? About 10 percent of all children have difficulties in this area. But early intervention can turn the most reluctant talker into a chatterbox.
When Kids Face Racism at School
Racial bullying is especially harmful. Here are some strategies to help your child cope and respond to racial teasing.
View the Adoption at School Webinar Replay
View the replay of the webinar “Adoption at School,” with Brooke Randolph, LMHC, to learn about how adoption may come up in your child’s classroom, and how parents can talk to teachers and prepare their child to respond.
“Should I Tell Her Teacher?”
I haven’t decided not to tell my daughter’s preschool that she was adopted, but, so far, I haven’t told.
Share Your Story: Tricky School Assignments
We asked our Reader Panel: Have your school-age children been assigned any projects that were difficult for adoptees (timelines, genetics, etc.)? How did you handle the situation?
Learn How Your Child Learns
When you connect with your child’s learning style, you help him feel more at home.
How to Get Your School on Board
Help get your school ready for your child.
Big-Kid School
If your child is off to preschool or kindergarten for the first time, you can ease her entry to the wider world outside your home.
“My Most Pressing Back-to-School Task”
After bringing up race and adoption with my children’s teachers at the start of each academic year, I always feel worried and hyper-vigilant. But, invariably, they get it.
The Continuing Adoption Conversation
Around age six or seven, children start to wonder, “Who am I?” This is when our children can truly understand that joining your family through adoption means they left another.
“Adoption 101 in Room 26”
When presenting adoption to 10-year-olds, the teacher’s cooperation and your child’s involvement are key.
Has Adoption Come Up in your Child’s Classroom?
We asked AF readers to share their stories. Here’s what they said!
“Just Like Mrs. Bear”
With the right props and preparation, my adoption presentation to my son’s first-grade class went wonderfully. He was proud to be a part of it, and I was proud of him.
Tackling Tricky Assignments
Creative solutions for tricky school assignments, from bringing in a baby picture to the family tree.
Teaching the Teachers
How one mother set out to educate her town.