We asked our reader panel to describe the books they find most helpful to prospective adoptive parents. Here are some of their favorites.
Ask AF: Should We Adopt Our Child’s Birth Siblings?
A mother of three seeks advice on adopting her child’s birth siblings. She worries that her child will feel hurt if they don’t, but also that they won’t have the energy or resources to parent more children.
Share Your Story: Choosing a Route
We asked our reader panel: “How, and why, did you choose between the different types of adoption?” This is what they shared.
Did Your Family Include a Reluctant Spouse?
Four years ago, my husband and I were happily raising our two daughters by birth when I decided that I was ready to adopt a son of a different race. My husband was content with our family as it was, and I struggled to give him the time he needed to think about adopting.
“Finally, Our Turn!”
First-time parent at 41? If this is my mid-life crisis, I couldn’t have hoped for a sweeter one.
“Second Child, Second Thoughts?”
“I began to understand what Bianca was going through. She wasn’t sure she was ready for a baby sister yet. Was I?”
From Infertility to Adoption
“After four years of fertility treatments, a friend recommended that we attend an adoption seminar. My husband and I weren’t open to adoption, but we decided to go. The hour-and-a-half seminar changed our lives forever.”
Ask AF: Feeling Excited and Scared as We Begin the Process
“We’re just beginning the adoption process, and are waffling between excitement—and terror. Is this normal?”
Can We Afford This? Adoption Costs vs. Surrogacy Costs
Check out the average cost ranges for donor egg, donor embryo, and surrogacy, and see how they compare to adoption.
Ask AF: What is a Home Study?
I am thinking about adopting, but the idea of a home study makes me nervous. What is it, and do I need to be concerned?
“Pre-Parenthood: Surviving the Home Study”
It’s home study day and I’m not perfect yet.
10 Lists to Help You Prepare for Adoption
A list of lists to help you through the adoption process and wait.
“Dear Infertility Patient”
From a woman who finally became an adoptive mother after a decade of trying, here are a few things I wish someone had told me years ago.
Is Special Needs Adoption Right for Your Family?
Why adopt a child with medical special needs? The answers will surprise you and touch your soul.
“Older Mom, Growing Older”
After catching baby fever at age 40 and adopting a newborn at 45, I’m aiming to live till 100.
“Slipping into Parenthood”
I bought that stuffed animal — and that book, and that baby hat — in a moment of weakness. But as the wait stretched on, I realized those slip-ups are what kept me going.
“Writing, Then Re-Writing, Our ‘Dear Expectant Mother’ Letter”
What do you write when the merchandise on offer is your heart?
“We Wanted to Adopt White Children”
I chose our route because I didn’t feel comfortable adopting outside our race. Six bittersweet years of motherhood have taught me to look beyond appearances.
“The Stages of Waiting”
Are all the bewildering ups and downs I’ve experienced during our wait typical of the international adoption process?
The Second Time Around
You’ve decided you’re ready to grow your family — again. Here’s help with answering the questions you didn’t have to ask the first time you adopted.