A mother who adopted from foster care seeks advice about discouraging her children from charming or hugging strangers— and how to respond to the adults who think the child is just ‘being sweet.’
“Almost Famous”
The day we became a transracial adoptive family was the day we lost our anonymity in our community. We’ve learned to handle the extra attention with some advance prep before going public, some choice words, and some perspective.
Ask AF: Feeling Depressed When Friends Announce They’re Pregnant
“Does anyone else feel jealous, weepy, depressed, and even a bit angry when friends or family members share the joyous news that they’re pregnant? I am truly thankful for my daughter, adopted five years ago, but at the same time, their news reminds me of how little control I have over growing our family.”
Hosting Productive Play Dates
A step-by-step plan to help adoptive parents plan successful outings for children and their friends.
Parents Share: What My Child’s Friends Want to Know About Adoption
Parents share the questions their children have been asked by friends and classmates over the years, from being in an orphanage to whether they know their “real” parents.
“Among Friends”
When it comes to socializing, my gregarious daughter has taught me a thing or two.
Parents Share: Celebrating with an Adoption Shower
Adoptive parents who welcomed their child home with an adoption shower share when they celebrated and their favorite part of the joyous occasion.
Ask AF: Because Baby Showers Are Bad Enough Without Nosy Questions…
When you struggle with infertility, baby showers can be painful reminders — and often lead to nosy questions, like, ‘So, when are you going to have a baby?’ Parents who’ve been there advise on how to respond.
The Wrong Crowd?
An adolescent’s peers may tell you something about their inner life.
Ask AF: Family Interactions After Kinship Adoption
“We are adopting my sister-in-law’s teenage son after fostering him for five years. What can I say to her at family gatherings, to family who still don’t get that we’ll be his legal parents—and to my son, who hears all of this?”
“Are Adoptive Moms Allowed to Have a Bad Day?”
After finally realizing my dream of becoming a mother, I found what most new parents find—along with the bliss come days filled with crying, spit-up, and leaking diapers. But when I dared to vent, I was chided: “You wanted to adopt…you asked for this!”
Ask AF: My Husband Wants to Keep Adoption “Secret”
“My husband was advised that some adoptive parents ‘hide’ the adoption process and feign pregnancy on social media for friends and extended family. Has anyone done this?”
Sometimes Making Friends Takes Practice
Some children seem to know the rules naturally, others need a little help.
When Relatives Hold Dated Views About Adoption
“I need help dealing with unsupportive relatives who seem to think ‘adoption’ is a dirty word. How can I talk with them about adoption?”
Friendships with Fellow Adoptees
Adoptive parents share whether their children have friends who are also adoptees and, if so, how the children met.
“More Love Is More Love”
In many families, relationships come without exact names. While adoption highlighted this truth, it was already a given in my family—and maybe in yours, too?
Parent-to-Parent: Gifts for New Parents Through Adoption
From time to bond to a scrapbook from the orphanage to IKEA furniture (and assembly!), parents share their favorite gifts they received after adopting their child.
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.
“Finding My Place in the Family”
Though society doesn’t know what to do with birth mothers, I knew I had a place with my son’s parents. At his second birthday party, I learned that I had a place with their family, too.
Shifting Your Mindset to Become a Multicultural Family
After you adopt a child from another culture, how do you adapt to life as a multicultural family?