Preparing Your Extended Family for Adoption
Explore our guide to helping your extended family and loved ones prepare for and support your adoption journey with understanding and care. As you prepare to welcome a new child into your family, your loved ones — parents, siblings, nieces, nephews and other close relatives and friends — are also preparing to embrace this new […]
Supporting Your Loved One on Their Adoption Journey
When your loved one begins the adoption process, it can be an exciting and hopeful time! However, it may also come with unique challenges. The Cradle is here to offer guidance on meaningfully supporting your loved in their adoption journey. If you have a family member or friend hoping to adopt, you may want to […]
Anxiety and Depression in Adopted Children – Part 2
In anticipation of our April webcast on Anxiety and Depression in Adopted Children, ALP Clinical Director Judy Stigger shared some information about the causes of anxiety and depression and what to do next: Causes: Adding to the confusion is the range of causes of anxiety or depression. When adoptive parents ask if the cause is nature […]
Anxiety and Depression in Adopted Children – Part 1
In anticipation of our April webcast on Anxiety and Depression in Adopted Children, ALP Clinical Director Judy Stigger shared some helpful definitions and advice for parents, especially parents of adopted teens: Definitions: Depression may be expressed in ‘tweens and teens as ongoing sadness or lethargy or, surprisingly, as intense anger or rage. For example, my granddaughter came […]
How To Make an Adoption Lifebook
An adoption lifebook tells your child’s story. Read our practical guide on how to make a lifebook, what to include and why they can be meaningful to children and families. What is a lifebook? An adoption lifebook is a special way to document and share a child’s story from the very beginning. They contain information […]
4 Things Birth Parents Want Adoptive Parents to Know
Adoption impacts birth parents in complex, emotional ways after a child has been placed with an adoptive family. Learn what Cradle counselors often hear from birth parents and what adoptive parents should know. The adoption journey is different for everyone. Adoptive parents experience a range of joys and challenges, but they may not be familiar […]
Supporting Identity Formation in Toddlers and PreSchoolers (Ages 2-5)
Adoption forms a central part of the adopted person’s identity from an early age. Learn about the impact of adoption on childhood development and how you can support your child. Starting from birth, adoption is a key part of your child’s story and identity — that’s why it’s never too early to discuss their adoption […]
Supporting Identity Formation in Young Children (Ages 5-8)
Adoption forms a central part of the adopted person’s identity from an early age. Learn about the impact of adoption on childhood development and how you can support your child. Starting from birth, adoption is a key part of your child’s story and identity — that’s why it’s never too early to discuss their adoption […]
Supporting Identity Formation in Grade School Children (Ages 8-12)
Adoption forms a central part of the adopted person’s identity from an early age. Learn about the impact of adoption on childhood development and how you can support your child. Starting from birth, adoption is a key part of your child’s story and identity — that’s why it’s never too early to discuss their adoption […]
Communication, Communication, Communication
Did you check out our Top 10 Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Parents Knew webinar? Our panelists answered some pretty tough questions and openly told us about their histories. Throughout the webinar, there was one really strong theme for adoptive families — create open lines of communication with your kids — even if it’s a one way […]