10 Most Popular Articles of October

Photo above: Uploaded to 2011 Halloween Photo Contest album by AFC member twacht. (There’s still time to enter your photo!)

1. New Family Traditions
BY COLLEEN WELLS
In theory, it should be easier to hold on to traditions that take place only once a year. Learn how one family figured out what home is for them.

2. Getting Through the Wait
BY LISA MILBRAND
In hindsight, these veteran adoptive moms would have done some things differently during the wait.

3. Talking Matters
BY LOIS MELINA
If you look like your child, you may be spared inquisitive glances or nosy questions about adoption from strangers. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have to discuss the topic.

4. Preparing Siblings
BY GREGORY C. KECK, PH.D.
When a new older child enters the mix, the life of every family member is changed. Parents will need to consider all the children in the family, not just the child being adopted.

5. Braiding Barbara’s Hair
BY ERIKA SOLBERG
For most African-Americans, hair care directly correlates to love and dignity. So I want my daughter’s hair to look good, because it says something about me, and, mostly, because of what it says about her.

6. Keeping the Peace
BY JOANNE SOLCHANY, PH.D.
Whether it is Christmas, Hanukah, Thanksgiving, or your child’s birthday, a big event often means a big meltdown for the preschool crowd.  The key to understanding how and why this happens at this age lies in understanding emotional regulation. 

7. About Time!
BY CHRISTINA CLARK
During the process to adopt from the foster system, we faced a series of delays. But, at the end, we found a love that was worth the wait.

8. When Parents Split Up
BY LYNETTE LAMB
Divorce doesn’t seem to affect adopted kids any more than it affects other children. Still, there are elements to consider.

9. Promoting Attachment
BY DEBORAH BORCHERS, M.D.
The best ways to facilitate attachment and foster a lifelong bond with your newly adopted baby. Our Adoption Medicine Expert explains.

10. The Hospital Visit
BY DAWN FRIEDMAN
For a child looking to fill in the gaps to her domestic-adoption story, a visit to the hospital where she was born can do wonders. Plus, should you arrange a visit?

In honor of National Adoption Month, in November, all AdoptiveFamiliesCircle members who tell us about the moment they knew they were a mom or dad will be automatically entered in a random drawing for the chance to win a Child of My Heart Pewter Necklace, from Deirdre & Company, valued at $35. Deadline: November 30, 2011

Enter at adoptivefamiliescircle.com