The way you respond to questions like, “What is adoption?” can influence how a person understands adoptive families–and explains them to others. Use these ideas to correct misinformation and set a positive tone.
When the New Brother or Sister Is Not a Baby
When a sibling arrives at an older age or with emotional challenges, everyone will benefit from realistic expectations — and patience.
Answering Tough Questions
As your teen’s thinking becomes more sophisticated, she’ll want to know more about her adoption.
Big Tummies, Big Questions
Don’t let your preschooler catch you off-guard! Be prepared to talk about the birds, the bees, and adoption.
Flights of Fantasy
Imaginative play can bring your preschooler hours of fun — and offer a window into her adoption story.
7 Ways to Give Your Child a History
When a child is adopted from foster care at an older age, he needs to understand his story up to placement and the significance of his joining a new family forever. Here are hands-on activities you can use to start this conversation.
Starting the Adoption Conversation
Keep talks with your child simple and relaxed. Your ease with discussing adoption lays the groundwork for a lifelong dialogue.
Talking with Children about Adoption
Is it what you say, how early you say it, or how often you say it that matters most to your child? Barbara Russell gives tips on talking about adoption with your child.
Gearing Talks to Your Child’s Development
Let what your child can understand about adoption guide what you tell him about his story.
Ask AF: Explaining Adoption to a Special-Needs Child
Answers to your parenting questions.
Ask AF: Telling Nieces and Nephews About Adoption
How can we explain our plan to adopt to our nieces and nephews (ages one to nine)?
Ask AF: Answering Questions in Front of Kids
Answers to your parenting questions.
Ask AF: A Truthful Explanation
Answers to your parenting questions.
Ask AF: Reappearance of a Birth Child
Answers to your parenting questions.
Ask AF: What’s the Big Secret?
Answers to your parenting questions.
Readers Share: Funniest Comments About Adoption
Parents remember the wackiest thing their child ever said about adoption.
“The Power of Truth”
I know my parents were trying to protect me. But all their secrecy made me feel like something was wrong with me.
Parents Share: Creating Our Child’s Adoption Story
Parents share how they impart and strengthen their child’s adoption story.
[Book Review] Wild About You!
Judy Sierra’s fun and heartwarming book is perfect for bridging the topic of adoption with young children.
Ask AF: Wanting to Be President
Answers to your parenting questions.