Since he was nine, I have written little love notes to my adopted stepson. He has always had problems with self-esteem, as well as feeling accepted in any sort of family setting. I had special markers, stickers, and even scrapbook paper that I used only for his notes. The fact that I had so many little things that were reserved solely for letting him know how much I loved him, made him swell... more

My mom will be watching my little one for the next few days, which will not only give me a nice break to have some ‘me’ time, and to get the house really cleaned up, but it will also give me some much needed quality time to spend with my adopted stepson. Being the oldest child, he has to wait for a lot of things, as his younger brother still needs most things done for him, and the oldest is usually expected to wait his turn, to be old enough to know, or know better all of the time.

I was the youngest growing up, so I have no personal... more

Everyone enjoys getting special little cards and letters in the mail, and this holds especially true when it comes to children. Receiving a card, or a special “thinking of you” or “I love you,” letter makes a child feel very important as well as valued. But cards and letters don’t always have to come through the mail. By getting a little creative, you can show your adopted stepchild just how much you care about him or her, while still giving him or her the privacy to receive that love and special attention alone. This works especially well in the beginning of building... more