Parenting the Adoptive or Foster Child
Articles on birth family connections, behavior, and many others issues adoptive and foster parents deal with on a daily basis.
Adoptive Support Resources @
Parent Training (4)
African American Hair Care (10)
Special Needs (9)
Ages 3 to 18 (4)
Step-Parenting (2)
Birth to Age 3 (10)
Surrogate Mothers @
Bullying & Bullies (3)
Surviving the Holidays (10)
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Your Extended Family (6)
Interracial Families (17)
Your Marriage (3)
Culture - How Do You Make Your Child's Birth Culture a Part of his Ev…
Take a moment to share your parenting tips for helping the interracially adopted or fostered child maintain a healthy connection to his or her birth culture. Sometimes it's the little things like observing a holiday. It may even be the big moments like a trip back to their birth country. Whatever it is, share with our community how you helped a child keep their birth culture a part of e…
Take a moment to share your parenting tips for helping the interracially adopted or fostered child maintain a healthy connection to his or her birth culture. Sometimes it's the little things like observing a holiday. It may even be the big moments like a trip back to their birth country. Whatever it is, share with our community how you helped a child keep their birth culture a part of e…
7 Fun Ways to Celebrate the Chinese New Year with Your Child
The Chinese New Year is a great holiday to choose to celebrate Chinese culture with your child. Here are few fun ways to bring a bit of fun and culture into your home through the festivities of the Chinese New Year.
The Chinese New Year is a great holiday to choose to celebrate Chinese culture with your child. Here are few fun ways to bring a bit of fun and culture into your home through the festivities of the Chinese New Year.
Holiday Season - How Do You Prepare Your Foster Children for the Holi…
Holidays are usually centered around "family." Foster children are separated from their families yet are reminded of family at almost all holiday gatherings. Add on the fact that holidays are also an extremely busy time of the year and you may have a great recipe for chaos. How do you prepare your foster children for the holiday season?
Holidays are usually centered around "family." Foster children are separated from their families yet are reminded of family at almost all holiday gatherings. Add on the fact that holidays are also an extremely busy time of the year and you may have a great recipe for chaos. How do you prepare your foster children for the holiday season?
The Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute: Beyond Culture Camp
The Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute released its latest report November 2009, which is assuming to be the largest study to date on the identity development of adopted adults in the United States and their sense of culture.
The Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute released its latest report November 2009, which is assuming to be the largest study to date on the identity development of adopted adults in the United States and their sense of culture.
Lifebook Tips - Share Your Favorite Tips or Best Ideas for Helping a …
Some foster care agencies require that foster parents help foster children maintain a lifebook. But we know that a lifebook is also very helpful for adopted children. What are some of your favorite tips or best ideas for working on a lifebook with a foster or adopted child?
Some foster care agencies require that foster parents help foster children maintain a lifebook. But we know that a lifebook is also very helpful for adopted children. What are some of your favorite tips or best ideas for working on a lifebook with a foster or adopted child?
Rude Comments - What Hurtful or Rude Questions and Comments Have You …
Many foster and adoptive parents have had to handle rude comments and rude questions regarding their children. Often things are being said by adults, not school children, like usual. Share yur favorite rude or hurtful comment.
Many foster and adoptive parents have had to handle rude comments and rude questions regarding their children. Often things are being said by adults, not school children, like usual. Share yur favorite rude or hurtful comment.
What Is a Cover Story and How Can It Help Foster Children?
Cover Stories are just that - stories to provide cover or protection. Using cover stories is not about telling lies, it's about keeping information private that could be used to tease and harass. By doing so we are trying to create the best possible environment for our foster children.
Cover Stories are just that - stories to provide cover or protection. Using cover stories is not about telling lies, it's about keeping information private that could be used to tease and harass. By doing so we are trying to create the best possible environment for our foster children.
Make a Copy of Your Foster or Adopted Child's Lifebook
Make a copy of your foster or adopted child's lifebook to help preserve their memories. There are many reasons to copy the child's lifebook.
Make a copy of your foster or adopted child's lifebook to help preserve their memories. There are many reasons to copy the child's lifebook.
Best Ideas to Complete a Lifebook for Your Adopted or Foster Child
A lifebook can be a great healing tool for a foster or adopted child. Some children move so often due to the foster care system or failed adoptions, that much of their life is lost. A lifebook tells the story of a child's life, from birth through each foster or adoptive placement. It tells the truth. It is reality.
A lifebook can be a great healing tool for a foster or adopted child. Some children move so often due to the foster care system or failed adoptions, that much of their life is lost. A lifebook tells the story of a child's life, from birth through each foster or adoptive placement. It tells the truth. It is reality.
What Not to Put into a Foster or Adopted Child's Lifebook
It may seem like a daunting task, putting together a lifebook for a foster or adopted child. It may bring up emotions of past grief and loss for the child. One question that seems to come up a lot is, "Are there things I shouldn't put into a child's lifebook?"
It may seem like a daunting task, putting together a lifebook for a foster or adopted child. It may bring up emotions of past grief and loss for the child. One question that seems to come up a lot is, "Are there things I shouldn't put into a child's lifebook?"
Parenting Skills - What Parenting Skills or Techniques Have You Found…
I train PS-MAPP classes with a foster/adoptive parent friend. She calls parenting skills her "bag of tricks" or a "buffet of discipline" and she will tell you that she likes to have numerous ideas ready to go when needed. So, what parenting skills are in your bag of tricks? What is being served from your buffet of discipline? Share your parenting skills and tips with other foster/adoptive parents.
I train PS-MAPP classes with a foster/adoptive parent friend. She calls parenting skills her "bag of tricks" or a "buffet of discipline" and she will tell you that she likes to have numerous ideas ready to go when needed. So, what parenting skills are in your bag of tricks? What is being served from your buffet of discipline? Share your parenting skills and tips with other foster/adoptive parents.
Summer Fun with the Kids
Remember when we were kids and summer fun meant nothing fancy or expensive? Summer is the perfect time to teach foster or adoptive kids some great summer fun activities that they may have been missing out on. In case you've forgotten, here is a quick list of some great summer fun and inexpensive summer activities.
Remember when we were kids and summer fun meant nothing fancy or expensive? Summer is the perfect time to teach foster or adoptive kids some great summer fun activities that they may have been missing out on. In case you've forgotten, here is a quick list of some great summer fun and inexpensive summer activities.
First Few Weeks Home with a New Adopted Child
One of the most often asked questions I get hit with after teaching a new batch of foster and adoptive parents is, "What about those first few days in our home? How do we help the child feel comfortable?" Adding to our home and family is such a personal experience, it's natural that we want the child to feel comfortable and welcome. We as parents want to feel that we are not missing anything and that we are doing a good job. Here are a few ideas on how to do that.
One of the most often asked questions I get hit with after teaching a new batch of foster and adoptive parents is, "What about those first few days in our home? How do we help the child feel comfortable?" Adding to our home and family is such a personal experience, it's natural that we want the child to feel comfortable and welcome. We as parents want to feel that we are not missing anything and that we are doing a good job. Here are a few ideas on how to do that.
First Few Weeks Home with a New Foster Child
One of the most often asked questions I get hit with after teaching a new batch of foster and adoptive parents is, "What about those first few days in our home? How do we help the child feel comfortable?" Adding to our home and family is such a personal experience, it's natural that we want the child to feel comfortable and welcome. We as parents want to feel that we are not missing anything and that we are doing a good job. Here are a few ideas on how to do that.
One of the most often asked questions I get hit with after teaching a new batch of foster and adoptive parents is, "What about those first few days in our home? How do we help the child feel comfortable?" Adding to our home and family is such a personal experience, it's natural that we want the child to feel comfortable and welcome. We as parents want to feel that we are not missing anything and that we are doing a good job. Here are a few ideas on how to do that.
Activities for Kids in Foster Care
Ideas to help keep your kids busy during breaks from school. Saving your sanity and giving them something to do.
Ideas to help keep your kids busy during breaks from school. Saving your sanity and giving them something to do.
How to Create a Connection with Your Foster or Adopted Child
Building a connection with your child can take a lifetime, but it's worth the effort. We know as foster or adoptive parents that if a child can connect to one person, than that child can grow and have a connection with other important people in his or her life.
Building a connection with your child can take a lifetime, but it's worth the effort. We know as foster or adoptive parents that if a child can connect to one person, than that child can grow and have a connection with other important people in his or her life.
Meeting Your New Foster Child
New foster parents often struggle with that first day. Learn some tips on how to handle the first meeting and day one with your new foster child.
New foster parents often struggle with that first day. Learn some tips on how to handle the first meeting and day one with your new foster child.
10 Things to do When Your Foster Children Don’t Get Along
What do you do when your foster care children don't get along? How can you establish peace within your foster home? Here are 10 ideas to help when doing foster care.
What do you do when your foster care children don't get along? How can you establish peace within your foster home? Here are 10 ideas to help when doing foster care.
How Have You Created a Connection with Your Foster or Adoptive Child?
Creating a connection with your foster or adopted child is part of parenting. Sometimes, it just doesn't happen naturally and we may need some ideas from other foster parents or adoptive parents. When it comes to older children, a connection can take a bit more work.
Creating a connection with your foster or adopted child is part of parenting. Sometimes, it just doesn't happen naturally and we may need some ideas from other foster parents or adoptive parents. When it comes to older children, a connection can take a bit more work.
Foster Parents Often Foster the Whole Family
Fostering connections with the birth family is extremely important to family reunification and foster parents are a part of the process. Ideas to help form a bond between foster parents and birth family
Fostering connections with the birth family is extremely important to family reunification and foster parents are a part of the process. Ideas to help form a bond between foster parents and birth family
When Foster Parents First Meet Birth Family
Fostering connections with the birth family is extremely important to family reunification. Find ideas to help form a bond between foster parents and birth family.
Fostering connections with the birth family is extremely important to family reunification. Find ideas to help form a bond between foster parents and birth family.
Why Choose an Open Adoption?
An open adoption is an adoptive family and birth family keeping in contact for the benefit of a child. While it can be a tricky arraignment it is often in the child's best interest. However there are pros and cons to choosing an open adoption.
An open adoption is an adoptive family and birth family keeping in contact for the benefit of a child. While it can be a tricky arraignment it is often in the child's best interest. However there are pros and cons to choosing an open adoption.
To Add a Child or Not to Add a Child - Timing May be the Answer
Foster and adoptive parents need to discuss many factors before deciding if it is the right time to add a child to the family. A time of many transitions may signal that it is the wrong time for a family.
Foster and adoptive parents need to discuss many factors before deciding if it is the right time to add a child to the family. A time of many transitions may signal that it is the wrong time for a family.
What Is Developmental Grieving?
What is developmental grieving in foster care and adopted children? What are some times to be aware of as grieving triggers as we parent these children?
What is developmental grieving in foster care and adopted children? What are some times to be aware of as grieving triggers as we parent these children?
How to Bond with Your Teen Foster & Adopted Son
Fast and easy activities to promote bonding between you and your teen foster or adopted son. These activities also include ideas that incorporate physical touch.
Fast and easy activities to promote bonding between you and your teen foster or adopted son. These activities also include ideas that incorporate physical touch.
How to Bond with Your Teen Foster & Adopted Daughter
Fast and easy activities to promote bonding between you and your teen foster or adopted daughter. These activities also include ideas that incorporate physical touch.
Fast and easy activities to promote bonding between you and your teen foster or adopted daughter. These activities also include ideas that incorporate physical touch.
A Typical Fathers Day May Mean Something Different for Foster Fathers
A typical fathers day may mean something different for a foster or adoptive father. So, what is a day in the life of a foster or adoptive father like?
A typical fathers day may mean something different for a foster or adoptive father. So, what is a day in the life of a foster or adoptive father like?
Parenting with the Five Love Languages
Utilizing the five love languages developed by Dr. Gary Chapman, may be a wonderful way to build attachment and bonding within your newly adoptive or foster family.
Utilizing the five love languages developed by Dr. Gary Chapman, may be a wonderful way to build attachment and bonding within your newly adoptive or foster family.
What Are the Five Love Languages?
Learn more about the book, The Five Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman. Utilizing the five love languages may be a wonderful way to build attachment and bonding within your newly adoptive or foster family.
Learn more about the book, The Five Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman. Utilizing the five love languages may be a wonderful way to build attachment and bonding within your newly adoptive or foster family.
Father Daughter Relationship and Father Son Relationship - Sharing S…
The About.com Adoption & Foster Care readers share their thoughts on fathers and the importance of a father son relationship as well as a father daughter relationship. These are the words from members regarding birth, adoptive, and step fathers and their relationships.
The About.com Adoption & Foster Care readers share their thoughts on fathers and the importance of a father son relationship as well as a father daughter relationship. These are the words from members regarding birth, adoptive, and step fathers and their relationships.
Mulligan Family Open Up About Their Russian Adoptions
After the Mulligans were interviewed on 20/20 regarding their difficult journey as adoptive parents to three Russian children, many had more questions. I got to speak to the family for 3 hours and the Mulligans cleared up some misconceptions about them, their children and Russian adoption.
After the Mulligans were interviewed on 20/20 regarding their difficult journey as adoptive parents to three Russian children, many had more questions. I got to speak to the family for 3 hours and the Mulligans cleared up some misconceptions about them, their children and Russian adoption.
20/20's "From Russia With Love — Dealing With Difficult Adoptions"
20/20 interviewed the Mulligan family who adopted Margarita and her sister Elena from Russia when they were 11 and 8 years old in July 2004. Soon after bringing their girls home they adopted a 4-year-old little boy named Sasha also from Russia. They renamed him Slater. The family’s adoption is 4-years-old now and the oldest and youngest children in the family are struggling with multiple diagnosis's
20/20 interviewed the Mulligan family who adopted Margarita and her sister Elena from Russia when they were 11 and 8 years old in July 2004. Soon after bringing their girls home they adopted a 4-year-old little boy named Sasha also from Russia. They renamed him Slater. The family’s adoption is 4-years-old now and the oldest and youngest children in the family are struggling with multiple diagnosis's
Why is Physical Touch so Important to Children & Teens?
Physical touch is very important to the health and development of infants and babies. Is physical touch still important to older children?
Physical touch is very important to the health and development of infants and babies. Is physical touch still important to older children?
Coping with an Open Adoption
Any relationship can be tricky, however very few relationships will be as tricky as those within an open adoption. An open adoption may be one of the most important relationships in your and your child's life.
Any relationship can be tricky, however very few relationships will be as tricky as those within an open adoption. An open adoption may be one of the most important relationships in your and your child's life.
All About Open Adoption
Open adoptions can be very beneficial to children. As is the case with many decisions in life, there are pros and cons to choosing an open adoption. There is always much to learn.
Open adoptions can be very beneficial to children. As is the case with many decisions in life, there are pros and cons to choosing an open adoption. There is always much to learn.
What Are the Cons of an Open Adoption?
An open adoption has many pros and cons. Here is the list of cons for open adoption.
An open adoption has many pros and cons. Here is the list of cons for open adoption.
What Are the Pros of Having an Open Adoption?
Open adoptions can be very beneficial to children. As is the case with many decisions in life, there are pros and cons to choosing an open adoption. Here are the pros of open adoptions.
Open adoptions can be very beneficial to children. As is the case with many decisions in life, there are pros and cons to choosing an open adoption. Here are the pros of open adoptions.
When Is an Open Adoption Not a Good Idea?
There are times when an open adoption is not in the best interest of a child. This is usually due to safety issues and is often the case in foster care adoptions.
There are times when an open adoption is not in the best interest of a child. This is usually due to safety issues and is often the case in foster care adoptions.
What Is an Open Adoption?
What is an open adoption? What constitutes contact in an open adoption? Gain some ideas for contact within an open adoption.
What is an open adoption? What constitutes contact in an open adoption? Gain some ideas for contact within an open adoption.
When a Child's Behavior Threatens the Adoptive Family
Dealing with child behavior problems is one of the issues faced by adoptive parents. Many children suffer from behavior problems. Gain some ideas on how to handle them and protect your family.
Dealing with child behavior problems is one of the issues faced by adoptive parents. Many children suffer from behavior problems. Gain some ideas on how to handle them and protect your family.
A New Study Looks at Troubled Teens
Troubled teens that were infants when adopted domestically suffer from more mental health needs than non-adopted teens. Internationally adopted teens fair much better than domestic adopted teens. An interesting study looks at troubled teens.
Troubled teens that were infants when adopted domestically suffer from more mental health needs than non-adopted teens. Internationally adopted teens fair much better than domestic adopted teens. An interesting study looks at troubled teens.
Preparing Your Child for Contact with Birth Family
While it can be a tricky arraignment, an open adoption is often in the child's best interest. However there are pros and cons to choosing an open adoption and your child must be prepared.
While it can be a tricky arraignment, an open adoption is often in the child's best interest. However there are pros and cons to choosing an open adoption and your child must be prepared.
Reluctant to Be a Dad
Some men are afraid to become an adoptive or foster parent. How to help your man ease into fatherhood.
Some men are afraid to become an adoptive or foster parent. How to help your man ease into fatherhood.
Celebrating Father's Day for Adoptive, Foster & Birth Fathers
Nothing brings tears to my eyes like the song by Holly Dunn, Daddy's Hands. Nothing gets to my husband like the song by Bob Carlisle, Butterfly Kisses. There is just an extra special connection that most kids have with their fathers and fathers with their kids. So, celebrating Father's Day has got to be extra special.
How to Open a Closed Adoption
With a minor child, adoptive parents are still very much a part of the process of opening a closed adoption or starting an adoption reunion. The process will include the following on the part of the adoptive parent:
- open communication that involves listening
- flexibility
- being aware of own feelings
Don’t be surprised when feelings of jealousy and some…
How to Handle Bullies at School and in the Community
Bullying is an adoption and foster care issue as many experts find that common causes of bullying are rooted in diversity: racial differences, differences in family formation/structure, perceived sexual orientation, learning disabilities, and religious differences. Many adoptions and foster care situations cross cultural and racial lines. Get great tips to stop bullying now.
Bullying is an adoption and foster care issue as many experts find that common causes of bullying are rooted in diversity: racial differences, differences in family formation/structure, perceived sexual orientation, learning disabilities, and religious differences. Many adoptions and foster care situations cross cultural and racial lines. Get great tips to stop bullying now.
Before You Send the Kids Back-to-School
Send the kids back-to-school with less stress this year. A bit of this and that from a variety of About.com Guides to help going back-to-school or switching schools mid-year a success.
Send the kids back-to-school with less stress this year. A bit of this and that from a variety of About.com Guides to help going back-to-school or switching schools mid-year a success.
Public vs. Private: Which School Choice for Your Adopted Child?
When it comes to making the decision between a public or private school, the school choice really depends on your child's needs and has very little to do with your child's status as an adopted child or a former foster child.
When it comes to making the decision between a public or private school, the school choice really depends on your child's needs and has very little to do with your child's status as an adopted child or a former foster child.
Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Bilingual Children
Step-by-step guide on how to raise a bilingual child. In international adoptions we are faced with the need to help our children maintain some sort of tie to their birth country. Helping the children acquire or maintain their second language is one way to meet this need.
Step-by-step guide on how to raise a bilingual child. In international adoptions we are faced with the need to help our children maintain some sort of tie to their birth country. Helping the children acquire or maintain their second language is one way to meet this need.
Before You Help Your Child With an Adoption Reunion
What are some things that an adoptive parnet should be aware of as their child embarks on an adoption reunion? I asked our adoption forum for some ideas on adoption reunion and this is what they had to say.
What are some things that an adoptive parnet should be aware of as their child embarks on an adoption reunion? I asked our adoption forum for some ideas on adoption reunion and this is what they had to say.
How to Create a Safety Plan
How to create a safety plan when children have unsafe behaviors within your home. Learn how to keep your family safe.
How to create a safety plan when children have unsafe behaviors within your home. Learn how to keep your family safe.
Preparing Foster Children and Newly Adopted Children for Halloween
Halloween is a fun fall holiday, but can be very scary for foster or newly adopted children. Prepare your children for trick-or-treating, before sending them out on their first Halloween.
Halloween is a fun fall holiday, but can be very scary for foster or newly adopted children. Prepare your children for trick-or-treating, before sending them out on their first Halloween.
Fall Fun for Foster and Adopted Children
Fall fun ideas for foster and adopted children who may be new to Halloween or afraid of the scary stuff. Fall is a fun season, help your children enjoy the fall fun.
Fall fun ideas for foster and adopted children who may be new to Halloween or afraid of the scary stuff. Fall is a fun season, help your children enjoy the fall fun.
What Is a Safety Plan?
What is a safety plan and why are they used within foster homes? Learn some of the reasons why foster and adoptive families implement safety plans.
What is a safety plan and why are they used within foster homes? Learn some of the reasons why foster and adoptive families implement safety plans.
Having Two Dad : Situation Embarrassing But Not Serious
Erik Smith fought the adoptive parents for over a year for custody of his infant son. The two parties decided on a custody arrangement which gave Smith liberal visitation rights. The embarrassing moments that his child may feel trying to explain his two dads are temporary. Smith believes that having both fathers in his son’s life is a huge benefit to his child.
Erik Smith fought the adoptive parents for over a year for custody of his infant son. The two parties decided on a custody arrangement which gave Smith liberal visitation rights. The embarrassing moments that his child may feel trying to explain his two dads are temporary. Smith believes that having both fathers in his son’s life is a huge benefit to his child.
Child Abuse Risk Factors
What are the common causes or risk factors of child abuse? Why would anyone abuse his/her own child? Learn of the different factors that may lead to the abuse of a child.
What are the common causes or risk factors of child abuse? Why would anyone abuse his/her own child? Learn of the different factors that may lead to the abuse of a child.
The Aftermath of Katrina and Rita Could Include Child Abuse
Natural disasters could lead to child abuse as parents lose control under stress. New study shows sad results after Hurricane Floyd in 1999.
Natural disasters could lead to child abuse as parents lose control under stress. New study shows sad results after Hurricane Floyd in 1999.
Avoiding Child Abuse in Times of Stress: Coping Skills for Parents
Coping skills for parents for times of stress and depression. Avoid child abuse with a few simple tips.
Coping skills for parents for times of stress and depression. Avoid child abuse with a few simple tips.
Busy Dads Take the Time
8 ways to stay involved in your child's life.
8 ways to stay involved in your child's life.
Paperwork Needed for Enrollment of an Adopted or Foster Child
Upon enrollment you will find several forms to fill out. Go prepared and make sure you have everything on this checklist for foster and adoptive children.
Upon enrollment you will find several forms to fill out. Go prepared and make sure you have everything on this checklist for foster and adoptive children.
10 Five Minute Bonding Activities
Fast and easy activities to promote bonding between you and your foster or adopted child.
Fast and easy activities to promote bonding between you and your foster or adopted child.
All About Grief and Loss in Children
All about grief and loss in children. How does grief effect a child? What are some ways to help a child grieve? What may impact a foster child's grief?
All about grief and loss in children. How does grief effect a child? What are some ways to help a child grieve? What may impact a foster child's grief?
Foster Parenting and Potty Training - Working Together
Potty training a foster child can be a challenge, but also may present a wonderful opportunity of bonding and co-parenting with the birth family. Learn some things to think about when starting the potty training process.
Potty training a foster child can be a challenge, but also may present a wonderful opportunity of bonding and co-parenting with the birth family. Learn some things to think about when starting the potty training process.
Finding Sex Offenders
From our About Guide to Pediatrics, Vincent Iannelli, M.D., each state maintains a website where you can find the location of registered sex offenders. Know your neighbors!
From our About Guide to Pediatrics, Vincent Iannelli, M.D., each state maintains a website where you can find the location of registered sex offenders. Know your neighbors!
Coping with a Tragedy
From our About Guide to Pediatrics, Vincent Iannelli, M.D. "Whether it is a school shooting, natural disaster, such as an earthquake, tsunami or hurricane, or a terrorist bombing, special attention must be paid to our children to help them cope and understand what has happened."
From our About Guide to Pediatrics, Vincent Iannelli, M.D. "Whether it is a school shooting, natural disaster, such as an earthquake, tsunami or hurricane, or a terrorist bombing, special attention must be paid to our children to help them cope and understand what has happened."
Books to Grow With - A Review
Children's Book Guide, Liz Kennedy reviews this book that lists a selection of children's books that may assist a child in dealing with a variety of challenging situations.
Children's Book Guide, Liz Kennedy reviews this book that lists a selection of children's books that may assist a child in dealing with a variety of challenging situations.
Cultural Bedtime Stories for Interracial Adoptive/Foster Families
Stories to read to your children at bedtime for a time of bonding and learning about different cultures.
Stories to read to your children at bedtime for a time of bonding and learning about different cultures.
Understanding Children's Grief and Loss
Children in adoption or foster care experience the grief and loss of their birth families.
Children in adoption or foster care experience the grief and loss of their birth families.
Journal Questions for Kids Who are Adopted or in Foster Care
Encouraging children to work on journals or lifebooks helps them deal with the grief and losses of being in foster care or adopted. Here is a list of questions to help foster children get started with journals.
Encouraging children to work on journals or lifebooks helps them deal with the grief and losses of being in foster care or adopted. Here is a list of questions to help foster children get started with journals.
Adoption and Foster Care Medical Terminology
Diagnosis, Diseases, and Conditions - part of parenting children - whether foster children or adoptive children - is taking care of sickness. Here is a handy glossary of often dealt with conditions. Conditions typical for international adoption have been included.
Diagnosis, Diseases, and Conditions - part of parenting children - whether foster children or adoptive children - is taking care of sickness. Here is a handy glossary of often dealt with conditions. Conditions typical for international adoption have been included.
The Unnecessary Parent
Great article from our Guide to Child Care, Robin McClure. What is the ultimate goal of every parent? To one day be out of a job!
Great article from our Guide to Child Care, Robin McClure. What is the ultimate goal of every parent? To one day be out of a job!
Helping Your Older Child Adjust
Written by adult adoptee, Patricia Schlossberg.
Written by adult adoptee, Patricia Schlossberg.
Need a Break?
Preparing for respite care.
Preparing for respite care.
10 Things to Do Before Sending a Foster or Adopted Child Back-to-Schoo
Are you ready to send the kids back-to-school? What about any new child(ren) that have been placed in your home either because of adoption or foster care? Here is a handy checklist to help you send them back-to-school with less stress.
Are you ready to send the kids back-to-school? What about any new child(ren) that have been placed in your home either because of adoption or foster care? Here is a handy checklist to help you send them back-to-school with less stress.
Elements that Impact a Foster or an Adopted Child's Grief
What may impact a foster or adopted child's grief? His age? The amount of support before or after a traumatic event? Learn more.
What may impact a foster or adopted child's grief? His age? The amount of support before or after a traumatic event? Learn more.
8 Ways to Help Children Grieve
We may feel helpless when our children are suffering a loss. Here are 8 different ways to help our children grieve.
We may feel helpless when our children are suffering a loss. Here are 8 different ways to help our children grieve.
Developmental Grieving
An article dealing with the sadness that may effect the adoptive or foster child during special times of the year.
An article dealing with the sadness that may effect the adoptive or foster child during special times of the year.
For A Child's H.E.A.R.T., Inc.
"Is located in Vallejo, CA, and is a non-profit organization which provides therapeutic and support services to children living in foster/adoptive care, and their care providers. Their goal is to motivate, encourage, and support foster/adoptive youth and caregivers in enduring the hard times with a sense of hope."
"Is located in Vallejo, CA, and is a non-profit organization which provides therapeutic and support services to children living in foster/adoptive care, and their care providers. Their goal is to motivate, encourage, and support foster/adoptive youth and caregivers in enduring the hard times with a sense of hope."
Rainbowkids.com for Kids
Find activity and color pages for adopted children. A fun way for kids to learn about their diverse culture.
Find activity and color pages for adopted children. A fun way for kids to learn about their diverse culture.
Baby Carrier
From the site: "InstinctiveParenting.com is devoted to promoting and supporting secure healthy attachment between parents and children. We provide a comprehensive range of baby slings and baby carriers to suit every mood and occasion."
From the site: "InstinctiveParenting.com is devoted to promoting and supporting secure healthy attachment between parents and children. We provide a comprehensive range of baby slings and baby carriers to suit every mood and occasion."
Family Helper - Heart of Adoption
Adoptive parent Leceta Chisholm Guibault offers great insights as she relates her family experiences returning to the children's birth countries of Colombia and Guatemala.
Adoptive parent Leceta Chisholm Guibault offers great insights as she relates her family experiences returning to the children's birth countries of Colombia and Guatemala.