With the right props and preparation, my adoption presentation to my son’s first-grade class went wonderfully. He was proud to be a part of it, and I was proud of him.
“Positive” Stereotypes
Our daughter, adopted from China, isn’t getting the help she needs in math class. What can we do?
Q&A with Maggie Jones About Adult Adoptees Who Move Back to South Korea
We spoke with Maggie Jones about her NYT article on the wave of adult adoptees who are moving back to South Korea—how she came to write this piece, and the overwhelming response she’s received.
View the Transracial Adoption Webinar Replay
View the replay of a webinar with Beth Hall, co-author of Inside Transracial Adoption, to learn what parents need to know about talking to kids about race and standing up against racism.
Comments from Adults of Your Child’s Race
When you’re raising a child of another race, you may find that adults of that race approach you with questions or comments. AF’s transracial adoption expert explains what you can say.
Safe Haven: Finding Homes for Children Through Foster Care
One mom opens her home — and heart — to foster children, and finds her passion.
Inconspicuous Transracial Adoption: “She Looks as White as You”
Our family doesn’t provoke many questions—is it still our responsibility to offer answers?
“Doing Téa’s Hair”
I’d never thought much about hair care. But as the white mother of a black daughter, I learned to braid, twist, clip — and take every opportunity to instill my little girl with pride.
“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.
“Did You Try to Have Your Own Kids?”
My wife was deluged with questions at a new moms’ group, each one more personal than the last.
“Yes, Black Women Do Adopt”
Talking with Black women about adoption became a routine part of motherhood for me, alongside diapers, homework, and the warmth I feel every time I look at my son.
Ask AF: When Preteens Face Prejudice
My 12-year-old, adopted from China, has recently been saying she doesn’t want to go to school. Last night I finally got her talking. She said, “There are kids who disrupt the class and are racist. They tell Asian jokes.” Her school is diverse, but there are few Asian students. How can I help her?
“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.
White Dad, Black Son
In a society that claims to be “color-blind,” we must parent deliberately.
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.
“The Rhythm of Our Lives”
While looking to connect with our children’s culture, we found the beat of the djembe drum would become a comforting family melody.