In an open adoption, what do you give to the person who means everything to you? Thoughts from a birth mom about the gifts that mean the most.
“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.
What to Share in the Holiday Letter to Birth Family
It’s normal to think about your child’s birth family during the holidays. What should you share in a holiday letter?
“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.
“Getting Rid of ‘Gotcha Day'”
What do you call the day your adoptive child came home? In this personal essay, one mother explains why “Gotcha Day” can be offensive for some adoptees.
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.
Showered with Love
Whether you feel most comfortable holding it after completing your dossier, or when you receive your referral — an adoption shower is a wonderful way to celebrate your growing family.
Heritage Starts at Home
How we can help our children feel good about who they are — and where they’re from.
“Our Family’s Unique Kwanzukkah Celebration”
The story of how one transracial family reinvented their holiday traditions.
Domestic Adoption Showers
When their adoption date was uncertain, our readers took the opportunity to celebrate with their children in tow. Here, they share their experiences.
It’s All Relative!
Nothing brings out a tween’s awkward side like a holiday family gathering. What can you do to help?
Ask AF: Birth Mother’s Day
Answers to your parenting questions.
Celebrating Chinese New Year
Learn how to celebrate Chinese New Year and welcome the year of the Monkey with your family on February 8, 2016.
“A Christening Ceremony”
The moment I felt I became Eva’s forever mother and for Eva, adopted from the Ukraine, being my forever daughter.
“The Meetings of the Moms”
The day my mother met my birth mother.
Easy Does It!
Even preschoolers can get stressed by holidays. A few simple games and activities can ward off the meltdowns.
Parent-To-Parent: Happy Adoption Day
Did you celebrate the day you met your child or his adoption finalization? Do you continue to mark that day every year? What do you call it? Members of our Facebook page shared their stories.
Parent-To-Parent: Time for Cake!
On our Facebook page, a reader asked for help: “Does anyone have suggestions for what to write on a cake to celebrate finalization?” Here are some of your ideas for topping off the icing on the cake.
Welcome Home: Our Adoption Announcements
We asked AF readers to share their child’s adoption announcements, and we were stunned by the creativity shown in your responses. These are a handful of our favorites.
“The Whole Journey”
When our son’s birth mother was making that painful decision — raise a child or finish high school — we were the family she chose. So when she invited us to her graduation, nothing could stop us.