We surveyed our reader’s feelings on specifying gender when adopting. Here’s what real adoptive parents had to say.
Ask AF: When a Partner Is Against a Second Adoption
“My child wants a sibling, and I’d like to adopt again, but my partner is against it (and has not been an very involved parent). What do I do?”
“Gardening Through the Adoption Wait”
After my dream of a family through adoption had been planted, it grew in the warm soil of my backyard.
“Pushing Past My Fears to Become a Single Mother”
A recent “adventure vacation” I took with my daughter brought back memories of the scariest leap of all — becoming a single mom.
“Moving Past My Infertility”
My infertility was in the past. But was I ready to laugh at immature teenage jokes about adoption?
Hot Topic: Should Parents Choose a Gender?
If given the option, many parents choose to adopt girls. We reported on this preference, as well as the unintended consequences for the boys who are left behind, and the article has sparked quite a debate. Here’s what our readers had to say.
Ask AF: Encouraging a Reluctant Spouse
Answers to your parenting questions.
“In the Beginning” — Part 1 of Foster Adoption Series
In part one of our family’s adoption odyssey, we make our way through our state’s Fost/Adopt program and find that things don’t always go according to plan. But sometimes, that’s for the best.
Are You Ready to Adopt?
You’re thinking of adopting a child. You’re learning as much as you can about the process and the issues. But, you keep coming back to the same question: How will I know when I am ready to take this life-changing step? To answer this question you need to think about why you want to adopt.
“A Home for Helen”
She was a motherless five-year-old living in an Ethiopian orphanage. The package in her hands promised a brighter future.
“Helpless Love”
There is an irrevocable moment when you become a parent, an instant when the idea of your child enters your heart forever.
“What to Expect When You’re Not Expecting”
Without sonograms, morning sickness, and kicking, you have to find the joy in your own “moments” as you wait to adopt.
Letting Go: The Truth About Adoption Disruption
The decision to disrupt an adoption is agonizing. But if it’s been made, we must focus on the child’s best interests rather than on placing blame, say families and experts.
“My Hands-On Wait”
I wasn’t going to just wait around during the wait. Instead, I filled the time with networking, decorating the baby’s nursery, and more.
Making a Life for Two
Looking back at her sometimes difficult transition to family life, a mom describes learning to take care of herself as well as her daughter.
Adopting on Your Own the Second — or Third — Time Around
Double the pleasure—or double trouble?
The Dream of a Family
All kinds of couples, even LGBT couples, are turning to adoption to build their forever families.
“Until the Real Thing Comes Along”
After adopting in mid-life, I found I welcomed the role of single parent. Perhaps this is because I can deal only with one big relationship at a time, and my daughter takes up all the room.
Celebrating the Holidays While You Wait
It’s tough to wait another year, especially during the holiday season. Here are some strategies that will help you until your child arrives.
“Guarding Tess” — A Father’s Story
I learned that the ultimate gift of love comes not from the receiver, but from the giver.