Library - Adoptive Parenting - articles about parenting
Adoptive parenting presents challenges experienced in every family type, plus those that may be associated with a child's history. This is a library of articles from our Editor and our Guest Authors.
"Adopt-A" Programs"Adopt-A" programs and promotions can send the wrong messages to our kids, and they're all over the Web, in schools, and in our communities.
Adoption & Taxes: Filing Your 2002 ReturnThe Adoption Tax Credit holds changes for 2002 for both domestic and international adoptions. Here's what adopting and adoptive parents need to know before filing their 2002 tax returns.
Adoption & Your Child's TeachersRacial bullying, parent presentations, adoptees who don't want the teacher to know, and much more were addressed in this chat with adoptive parents.
Adoption Heritage Tours - Online!Explore your child's heritage - customs, traditions, and culture - through online learning adventures.
Adoptive & Foster Family Education - Conspicuously Online"Conspicuous Families: Race, Culture & Adoption" is just one of a growing number of quality online education resources for adopting, adoptive, and foster parents. Learn more about these learning opportunities and where to find online classes.
Back to SchoolWhether it's a child's first school experience or she's a seasoned veteran, here are resources for parents, teachers, and students. Includes teachers' guides, homework help, and more.
Being AdoptedFor many adoptees, being adopted means intrusive or insensitive questions and comments. Find tools for parents and adoptees we can use to respond.
Bookmaking... For LifeCreating a lifebook for an adopted or foster child is a way to focus on the personal history of one individual. An online tutorial and a new book tell all about them, how to make them, and how they can be used to promote attachment and a positive grasp of identity.
Building Resilience & Strong Sense of SelfAdvice for adoptive parents to help us help our children learn to cope with adversity and become strong individuals.
Caring for Your African American or Biracial Child's HairPractical help for parents, from care basics - like combing and shampooing - to product recommendations, from an expert in ethnic hair care.
Creative Family TreesAge-specific ways to help our children visualize and express the diversity of their families. Great for adoptive and foster families, and teachers.
Divorce After Adoption: Practical Tips for ParentsWhile American divorce rates are considered quite high, evidence suggests that couples who adopt have a lower divorce rate... but, of course, it does occur. Practical step-by-step suggestions and reminders for those going through a divorce.
Early Intervention: A Federal EntitlementThe National Early Intervention Program is a federal entitlement providing a developmental assessment when parents have concerns about their children, including those adopted though domestic and international adoption. Here's what you need to know.
False Abuse Allegations, Adoption, and Foster CareChild abuse is a national tragedy and greatly under-reported; however, many people do not realize that one-third to one-half of all child abuse alerts turn out to be unfounded or mistaken. False abuse allegations can destroy families and ultimately hurt the children who make the accusations. Valuable information for adoptive and foster parents about why these allegations may occur, what they can do, and where to find help.
Forever FamiliesTelling an adoptee that s/he is now in a "forever family" can sound more reassuring to the adoptive parent than to the adoptee. There are alternatives to words that may make promises that can't be kept.
Happy Adoption BooksPresenting only the happy side of adoption, even to preschool adoptees, may be denying the child's reality.
Is It Todderhood or Is It Adoption?Answers to questions from adoptive parents about behaviors in the toddler years and whether or not they're adoption-related.
It's a RAD RAD WorldFamilies living with the challenges of Reactive Attachment Disorder were the focus of an evening of chat. Listen in and benefit from the experience of these committed parents.
Lessons from Adoptive ParentsAs adoptive parenting has evolved over the years, many of the ways we handle challenges provide valuable lessons for all families.
Looking for Mr./Ms. GoodworkerIs there such a thing as the ideal social worker for your family's needs? Maybe not, but an experienced foster care and adoption professional thinks there's hope.
Narrations: Telling It Like It IsA new adoption newsletter has gone to press, and this time, the voices are the children's. Read about
Narrations and encourage your children to contribute.
Not Just Like MeAdoption planning often seeks to match children closely with their adoptive families, but some families seek and value differences. Look at how this family includes diversity as a part of their normal life.
One Part of the Triad - An Adoptive Parent's PerspectiveThere's a lot of information about post-adoption feelings of adoptees and birth parents when adoptions don't create happy families, but what about the feelings of adoptive parents? One parent shares her story so others can benefit.
Opening a Closed AdoptionWhen you believe it's in your child's best interest, it can be done. Two moms talk frankly about their experience.
Parents Pick Adoption Books for ChildrenAdoptive parents recommend the books their children enjoy most about adoption and adoptive family life. This selection includes books appropriate for almost every type of adoption.
Positive Steps for Families in Crisis (and Those Heading That Way)Facing impending crisis can leave families feeling helpless, often seeing only the negatives. There are forward-looking steps you can take to minimize or prevent crisis, or handle it when it does happen.
Post-Adoption ResourcesIn our life-long adoption experience, it's not unusual to turn to others for periodic or on-going help. Education, counseling, respite care, online and real-life support groups, and magazines and newsletters are some of the many resources available.
Preparing Children for CourtWhether you're fostering or adopting from foster care, court appearances are likely to occur in your child's life. Find help to prepare your child and yourself.
Siblings & DifferencesAnswers to questions about all kinds of siblings: bio and adopted, adopted, siblings in closed and open adoptions, and more. Perhaps your question was answered.
Summertime Hair Care TipsSwimming, beach, fun ... chlorine, sea salt, sun - and what they do to your African-American or biracial child's hair can be a beauty disaster! So grab some club soda (that's right, club soda) and check out our tips to help your kids look their summertime best.
Surviving Your Child's Emotional DisorderLiving with a child who is diagnosed with an emotional disorder, such as reactive attachment disorder, challenges perceptions of parenting, family, friends, support, and therapy.
Talking to Kids About AdoptionAnswers to questions from adoptive parents about how and when to talk to their children about adoption. From kids too young to understand to the "you're not my parent" comment, we covered it all!
Teach Your Children WellResources to help adoptive families open dialogs to address the sensitive issues of terrorism, racism, and hate.
Telling the Teachers: Adoption and SchoolsAt the beginning of every school year, adoptive parents consider whether or not tell teachers that their children joined their families through adoption. Both sides of the discussion are presented to help you make your decision.
The Inner World of the Adopted ChildInsight into the needs and concerns of adopted children, including family interaction, child development, and anger.
The Love Value of FoodIs the amount you spend on food for your household indicative of how much you love your children? A new study slams adoptive parents and ignites tempers.
The Second GoodbyeHelping young adoptees deal with the first loss of birth parents gives them a strong foundation for dealing with subsequent loss.
What Adoptive Parents NeedWhat parents need from the time they start the process through their children's lives involves everyone who impacts the family - from judges to birth parents to neighbors and others.
What To Do When Your Adoption is Failing"A Parent's Guide to Adoption Disruption & Dissolution" is a non-judgmental, plain language source of information for parents who find themselves facing the possible failure of an adoption.
When The Going Gets ToughAttachment disorder is not uncommon. Being informed and prepared ahead of time can save your family.
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