Two AF readers open up about the painful and rarely talked-about experience of dealing with a relative who never gets on board.
When the Circle of Family Grows
Parents always celebrate when a new child joins their family. But adoptive moms and dads might want to mark their blessed event with a meaningful ceremony beyond the usual festivities.
Private Isn’t Secret
Nosy comments from strangers are one thing. But what do you do when it’s a child who’s asking difficult questions?
Friends Like Me: The Value of Adoptee Peer Groups
Want to do something wonderful for your grade-schooler? Hook her up with other kids who were adopted.
As Friendships Evolve
Sometimes growing up means letting go of childhood friends.
Befriending Other Adoptees
Adopted children fare better if they know other kids who were adopted.
Relatives Say the Strangest Things
Is your extended family less than savvy about adoption? Here’s how to handle it.
When the Questions Begin
Your preschooler is curious — and so are his peers. Help him get ready for inquiring young minds.
Family Night
Getting everyone together once a week can be invaluable for family unity.
“Ready-to-Parent”
The “Daddy Moment” hits in the middle of the baby emporium.
The Benefits of Adoption Playgroups
An adoption playgroup can be a wonderful source of support for children as well as parents.
Feeling Like Part of the Extended Family
The more you involve the grandparents (and aunts, uncles, and cousins, too) in you adoption process, the more your child feels like part of the clan.
When Your Teen Starts to Date
As adopted teens enter the dating game, unique issues will arise. Are you ready to tackle them?
“A Quilt for my Daughter”
By contributing squares filled with a prayer, blessing, hope, or dream, my friends and family became part of our adoption.
Ask AF: Building Relationships
Our toddler bonded very quickly with our immediate family, but she still refuses to allow anyone else to hold her, including our relatives. Is this normal for a two-year-old?
“We Got the Best One!”
Sometimes, bonds in adoption form so instantly, so mysteriously, you just wonder how you ever got this lucky…
“Can You Talk to My Friend About Adoption?”
A family we barely knew gave us the encouragement we needed to adopt. I repay their kindness by doing the same for others.
Should You Tell All?
Think carefully before sharing your child’s story with others.
Ask AF: Time to Bond
When you finally bring your baby home, your family will probably be very excited to meet her. Mary Ann Curran suggests ways to explain the bonding cycle to them and gently request time to be alone.