Adoptive parents who welcomed their child home with an adoption shower share when they celebrated and their favorite part of the joyous occasion.
Parent-to-Parent: Holiday Gifts for Your Child’s Birth Family
We asked our readers: If you’ll be giving your child’s birth parents a gift this holiday season, what is it and how will you give it to them? Read the answers from adoptive parents.
“Which Baby Gift Registry is Best?”
Readers share their registry experiences—and tell us which companies have adoption-friendly options.
“Anniversary”
One year after my daughter came to live with me from foster care, the memory was still too bittersweet for her. But today, two years after becoming mother and daughter, we are ready to celebrate.
“My Christmas Dream Come True”
When I bought the ornament, I imagined hanging it on the tree with the child I was carrying. But after I miscarried, I packed it away for years.
“Mr. Tooth Fairy”
We had known about this tooth for many years, before we even met our daughter.
“We’ve Always Done It That Way”
The uncharted journey of our first Christmas together etched a road of new, heart-warming traditions.
Ask AF: Feeling Emotional Around the Holidays As We Wait
A prospective adoptive parent shares her feelings of sadness as the holidays approach while waiting to adopt. Parents who have been there offer advice.
Music Is Our Family Tradition
We’ve been discussing family traditions lately. The other night at dinner, our 10-year-old, Yakob, said, “You know, we should have family movie night. We could each pick a movie to watch.”
Parent-to-Parent: Celebrating the Holidays While Waiting for Your Child
Parents share their experiences of celebrating the holidays while still waiting for their adoptions to be finalized.
Teaching Kids to Say Thanks
What do you do when your three-year-old announces that he doesn’t like the new socks your mother gave him as a gift? Or he’s too busy devouring a cookie to show his appreciation for it?;
Chicken Feet for Thanksgiving
Tradition and ritual, especially during the holidays, signal security and family pride. And if you get creative, they just might reflect your distinct personalities, too.
Share Your Story: Holiday Traditions
We asked the Adoptive Families Reader Panel: How do you integrate your child’s culture of origin and/or adoption story into your family’s holiday rituals?
Lending a Hand
Finding ways to “give back” as a family can be fun—and rewarding—for ‘tweens and parents alike.
Teaching Emotional Regulation to Preschoolers
Little ones can be overwhelmed by excitement during the holidays. Here’s how to help your preschooler regulate her emotions.
Surviving the Holidays After Adopting
The arrival of a new baby during the holiday time can be overwhelming for new parents—here’s how to have a sane season.
[Book Review] Megan’s Birthday Tree
When Megan was born, her birth mother, Kendra, planted a tree in her backyard. Every year on Megan’s birthday, Kendra decorates the tree and sends photos of it to Megan, in honor of their special bond.
“A Mother’s Day Not About Me”
To the birth mother of my three children through adoption, wherever you are, I say thank you for allowing me to be their “other” mommy.
The Birth of Tradition
Family rituals take on new meaning when we adopt a baby.
A Mother’s Day Ritual
A simple ceremony with flowers and candles helped my children celebrate their love for two mothers.