If we don’t help our children understand racial and cultural stereotypes, who will?
“Cornrows, French Braids, and Life”
As a white mom learns about her black child’s hair, both come of age.
Adoption, Race, and Parenting at Camp
A summer heritage camp that’s all about helping transracial families.
“No More Monkey Business”
Cake? Check. Invitations? Check. Favors? Check. Acknowledgement of racial injustice…? Choosing a theme for my son’s birthday party involved more than we had anticipated.
“My Inconspicuous Family”
We were prepared to raise a child who looked nothing like us. But things changed when we found out that our new daughter did…sort of.
“Our Visible, Multiracial Family”
Although my wife and I talked a great deal about race before we decided on a transracial adoption, we didn’t fully appreciate how conspicuous our family would become. Quite simply, we now stick out in a crowd.
“What Being Asian Means to Her”
At 13, my daughter is still figuring out who she is. Race is one part of the picture, adoption is another.
“Why Am I the Only One Who’s Pink?”
Being Mom to “virtual twins”—one African-American, one white; one adopted, one biological—has taught me to validate both of my children for who they are.
Classroom Consciousness
Finding the right school for your child is a personal, and sometimes emotional, process — especially when considering diversity and academic excellence.
“Should I Proclaim My Family’s Multiracial Identity?”
My son’s Mexican heritage is not apparent to others. Is it my responsibility to identify ourselves as a multiracial family?
“Blurring the Line”
Mississippi has the largest population of African Americans in the United States, and the color line seems to be drawn in permanent ink or, perhaps, in blood. Because of this, I always believed I would never go back after my daughters came home from Haiti.
“Talking About Race in Our Blended Family”
A chance conversation in the car almost set our son apart from our family. But what happened brought him closer to me than ever.
Age-by-Age Ways to Celebrate Birth Culture
An age-by-age guide to cultural activities that help our children take pride in their identity.
Ask AF: Teen Friendships
Answers to your parenting questions.
Dealing with Stereotypes
When our children get hit with negative — or positive — labels, it robs them of who they really are.
Finding Role Models of Your Child’s Race
Answers to your parenting questions.
Building Identity: “Who Can I Be?”
From workshops and playshops to heritage travel and adoptee camps — there are tons of way to teach your kid about their culture!
“Braiding Barbara’s Hair”
As the white mother of an African American daughter, I learned more than I ever could’ve imagined about hair.
When to Let Kids Handle Racism On their Own
Answers to your parenting questions.
The “China Doll” Syndrome
When excessive attention sets children apart.