When Christopher joined our family at age three, I had to set aside my tried and true parenting methods in favor of the sort of nurturing he’d never known.
Ask AF: Comforting a Child During Temper Tantrums
Answers to your parenting questions.
“How I Finally Got Into Club Mom”
The cruelest parts of infertility? Having to attend baby showers, coo over ultrasound pictures, and being told it’s “God’s will” that you’re still childless.
“Real-World Lessons”: Adopting a Teenager from Foster Care
We adopted a teenager from foster care as veteran parents and thought we were prepared for what lay ahead—but our new son still taught us a thing or two.
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.
“How Jesse Learned to Play”
There was no time for fun in the orphanage. But at home in America, four-year-old Jesse discovered water balloons, trampolines — and his inner Hercules.
“Parenting a Child Who Was Terrified of Love”
When you adopt an older child who pushes you away in anger, you learn a different way to parent, to give love without immediately receiving it in return.
“What We Wish We Had Known” – Older Child Adoption
A mom and her daughter share lessons learned about older child adoption.
Winning Your Child’s Trust Around the Dinner Table
In an excerpt from her guide to enjoying family meals, our childhood feeding specialist explains how to show your foster or adopted children love through food.
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.
Discipline in Older-Child Adoption
Our older child adoption expert explains what works, and what is sure to fail when disciplining your child.
Small Wonders: Adopting a Toddler
Straddling the line between infancy and autonomy, toddlers experience adoption in unique ways. Here’s what you need to know to face the challenge.
Ask AF: Rocking and Sleep
Rocking is a common sensory-seeking behavior, particularly for children who spent time in institutionalized settings.
Ask AF: When a Child Calls Every Woman “Mommy”
Our three-year-old has been through several foster placements and calls nearly every woman she comes in contact with “Mommy.”
Ask AF: Introducing Boundaries
Answers to your parenting questions.
Ask AF: Jealous of Dad
Answers to your parenting questions.
Ask AF: Why Won’t My Child Stop Eating?
Answers to your parenting questions.
[Book Review] No Matter What
Sally Donovan’s memoir is an honest portrayal of the challenges of adopting from foster care.
Ask AF: When Bonding Takes Time
Answers to your parenting questions.
Ask AF: Anger Management
Answers to your parenting questions.