Katherine Heigl: "I'd Like To Adopt Again"

Emmy Award-winning actress Katherine Heigl graces the cover of Scholastic Parent & Child's February issue. In the interview, the mom-of-one opens up about adopting her now 3-year-old daughter Naleigh with hubby Josh Kelley, and her new film One for the Money which opens January 27.

On adoption: “I wanted my own family to resemble the one I came from, so I always knew I wanted to adopt from Korea. We have talked about having biological children as well, but we decided to adopt first. I just wanted to be a mom. So however we do that, it’s fine with me. I’d like to adopt again.”

On her best advice for adoptive parents: “It was a struggle for me because all I wanted to do was bond with her. But it takes time for a child to trust this new situation and to trust you. My advice is don’t be discouraged. The reward is so great.”

On bonding with Naleigh when they first adopted her: “I watched Josh, and it was so effortless for him. I call him Disneyland Dad—he’ll get on the floor and roll around and make her laugh. That wasn’t really me. So I felt like, oh gosh, I’m not the kind of parent she prefers. Then I realized—I’m the cuddler. I’m the one she comes to if she’s hurt. And I have a ritual for putting her to bed.... It’s our little thing.”

On keeping Naleigh grounded: “We both have families who believe in character, integrity, and morality. Not to be overindulged, to be respectful of parents. We feel strongly about these things, especially because of the industries we’re in. We’ll have to work a little bit harder to keep Naleigh grounded and to make sure she understands how blessed she is—how blessed we all are.”

Continue reading the interview with Katherine at Scholastic Parent & Child...