Adoptive Families sat down for a Q&A with attachment guru Deborah Gray. When will a parent know a bond is in place? How can working parents solidify their connection with a newly adopted child? We asked these questions and more.
The Birth of Tradition
Family rituals take on new meaning when we adopt a baby.
“Will I Ever Be Able to Love This Child?”
When the first few weeks of parenthood were rocky, I found myself worrying: Did we adopt a child I’ll never be able to love?
Waiting for Working Moms
Yes, it’s about your new family. But don’t forget to focus on your work life, too.
Bonding with Your Baby
Whether you’re adopting a newborn or a toddler, learn how to enhance attachment at each developmental stage.
Easing the Post-Adoption Adjustment
We’re about to adopt a toddler. How can we ease his adjustment during our first weeks as a family?
25 Ways to Nurture Hurt Children
How do you nurture a child who repels nurturing? Start with these practical ideas.
“A Stocking Filled with Memories of our Foster Child”
We knew it was possible for the girl we were fostering to be reunited with her birth mother. But that didn’t make it hurt any less.
To Have and to Hold: Attachment Parenting
AF looks at a hands-on parenting style that’s natural for our families.
“The Fierce Feelings of Motherhood”
In this personal essay, the author reflects on the surprising fierceness of feeling like a mom.
Back to Work?
New adoptive parents have special concerns when it comes to child-care choices. Here’s how to make an informed decision.
“How Do You Define Motherhood?”
To many people, sharing DNA and giving birth are the prerequisites to being a “real” mom. As my children’s mommy, I know better.
Parenting to Promote Attachment
What’s the best way to facilitate attachment with our newly adopted baby?
Establishing a Routine
When it comes to easing your baby’s transition to your home, consistency is key.
More Than Just the Blues
How to recognize and cope with post-adoption depression.
Surprising Post-Adoption Emotions
When you finally bring your child home, yes, you will feel elated. But many new adoptive moms and dads are surprised by the complex emotions that can sit on the outskirts of that joy.
Avoiding Overwhelm During the Holidays
Most parents look forward to sharing this time of the year with their children. But less is often more when it comes to holiday activities.
The Adoption Transition Diet
Dana E. Johnson, M.D., Ph.D., on introducing new foods and addressing feeding challenges in a newly adopted child.
“Intimate Strangers”
She was going to have a child but couldn’t keep it, I wanted a child desperately but couldn’t have one. She was the mother at birth; I was the mother right after. It sounds simple, but it wasn’t.
“True Love, Times Two”
I used to wonder whether my love for my son would be more intense if I’d given birth to him. Having a biological child validated the depth of my feelings the first time around.