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.
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Ages 3 to 18 (4)
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Bullying & Bullies (3)
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Helping Your Older Child Adjust
Written by adult adoptee, Patricia Schlossberg.
Written by adult adoptee, Patricia Schlossberg.
Fostering Connections
Number one in a series of articles on how to build connections with your foster children and their birth families.
Number one in a series of articles on how to build connections with your foster children and their birth families.
Fostering Connections-Part Two
Number two in a series of articles on how to build connections with your foster children and their birth families. This article focus' on the first meeting with the birth family and the social workers.
Number two in a series of articles on how to build connections with your foster children and their birth families. This article focus' on the first meeting with the birth family and the social workers.
Fostering Connections-Part Three
Last of a three part series on building connections between birth family and foster families.
Last of a three part series on building connections between birth family and foster families.
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.