In this excerpt from her book, Jayne Schooler offers adoptive parents tools for helping their children make sense of the past.
Forging an Identity
Don’t despair; these struggles can actually deepen your bond.
Ask AF: Helping Kids who Feel “Different”
Your preteen wants to fit in, but how can she when she’s “different”? AF explains how parents can help.
When the Questions Begin
Your preschooler is curious — and so are his peers. Help him get ready for inquiring young minds.
Out On Their Own
At school, children have to fend for themselves. Here are words they can live by.
When Your Kid Clams Up
If your preteen is suddenly silent about adoption, look for “reachable” moments.
The Land of Make-Believe
Fantasy play is your preschooler’s safe arena to learn about life — and work things out.
A Death in the Family
As children get older, they come to understand that everyone experiences loss.
Imaginary Birth Parents
Your child may never have met his first mom and dad. But that doesn’t mean he’s not spinning stories about them.
Orphan Lit
From Anne of Green Gables to Harry Potter, orphans are a staple of children’s literature. Here’s how to help your child make sense of it all.
Figuring Out Adoption
Preteens need a safe place to explore adoption questions.
Ask AF: Difficult Details
Answers to your parenting questions.
“What If You Die, Mommy?” — And Other Hard Questions
Confronting your own fears is the first step toward helping your child deal with hers.
Sticky Assignments
From requests for baby pictures to making family trees, adopted kids face challenges in the classroom. Here’s how to help.
Keep the Adoption Conversation Going
Let your child know you are open to talking about her birth family.
Freeing Your Child To Feel
The child that doesn’t talk about adoption may have emotions that need to be explored.
Ask AF: Telling Children About a Change of Heart
Adoption expert Ronny Diamond outlines how to tell children when an expectant mother match falls through, after they’ve become attached to the idea of a new brother or sister.
Ask AF: What’s the Big Secret?
My 8-year-old has always seemed comfortable about adoption. Recently, though, he’s been telling classmates that he was adopted, but asking them to keep it secret. Should I be worried?
When Your Child Stops Talking About Adoption
Has your grade-schooler suddenly gone silent on adoption? Here’s how to keep the conversation going.
The Adoption Expert? Your Child
Be alert for clues about how much information your preschooler can absorb.