As parents, we live in constant tension: How thoroughly should we prepare our kids for the ugliness that exists in the world? For my son’s safety, I can’t afford to be vague when it comes to racism.
“Families Like Us”
My wife and I may not match our kids, but we found a group where we all fit in.
Share Your Story: Transracial Parenting
We asked readers what tips, resources, experiences they had to say about transracial parenting. Here, we share their responses.
Building Your Child’s Sense of Self-Worth
Families that expand their worlds to incorporate all kinds of cultures help their children develop strong racial identities.
Ask AF: Four-Year-Old Expressing Negativity About Her Skin Color
The mother of a preschooler shares her concern about negative comments her daughter has been making about her skin color. Parents who have been there offer advice.
How Will We Teach Our Child About Her Culture?
Even after twenty years, adoptive families are still grappling with some of the same issues and questions about raising their children in an interracial family.
“Is That Your Family?”
By now, you and your teen have established a firm family bond. But outsiders may not see it that way.
Adopted and Black in Middle America
Michelle Johnson, 38, adopted by white parents and raised in suburban Minneapolis, recently spoke with AF about her experiences.
Finding Black Role Models For My Children
Seeking and being embraced by members of the black community made me realize how much I need them to successfully raise my daughters.
“The Wrong Kind of Asian”
I have confused and disappointed many people in my lifetime because I don’t look or behave the way they think an Asian ought to look or behave.
Ask AF: My Child Was Told by Peers That She’s “Not Really Chinese”
A parent reaches out for help after taunting at school left her daughter feeling shaken to the core and that she doesn’t belong anywhere. An adult adoptee and transracial adoption expert offers advice.
Raising Black Children to Become Black Adults
An adult adoptee discusses ‘the Talk’—what white parents who adopt Black children must tell them about racism, interacting with the police, and staying safe.
Ask the Transracial Parenting Expert: Teens and Dating
Our 14-year-old daughter is starting high school this fall. What might we expect in terms of dating?
Ask the Transracial Parenting Expert: Helping Teens Answer Questions About Race
“Last week, my teenage son told me that he was tired of having to explain himself wherever he goes. Why is this happening, and how can I help him?”
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?
“Adopting a White Child Across Racial Lines”
When the social worker brought my new daughter to my house, she wasn’t the African-American girl I was expecting. And so we became a transracial family.
“Inside/Outside”: The Transracial Adoptee Experience
30 years later: A special report on the Korean adoptee experience
Refugee Adoption: A Whole New World for Our Daughters
Although the adoption of refugee children was more complicated than I expected, it has been infinitely rewarding. These children and their past are now part of me.
Should We Be Color Blind?
Color blindness may not be the best approach for transracial families, explains a transracial parenting expert.
Breaking the Racial Sound Barrier
In a society that considers “color-blindness” a noble attitude, parents may worry about talking about racism, but we must do it. Here’s how.