Read My First Journal Article!

This autoethnography recounts experiences from my emerging adoptee identity situated in academic institutions. I use my story to connect with larger themes in adoption and propose a framework that expands upon existing theories of trauma. My hope in recognizing trauma, that is not necessarily historical, collective, or intergenerational by definition but is still present, is to better understand the adoptee experience, validate the existence of trauma, and to promote opportunities for lifelong healing.

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Balancing Emotions with Adoption Jenga

Adoptive parents often mistake silence for a lack of curiosity or questions about adoption, but this is not necessarily true. The adoptee may be waiting for the parent to bring up the topic or may be unsure if they are allowed to ask questions around the circumstances of their adoption. I have adapted the grief Jenga game for adoptees in the hopes that this can increase communication around adoption in your families if this is not something that you currently do.

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Adoption Themed Book Club List

I recently participated in a FCCNY book club discussion of The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See. The book revolves around a Chinese adoption story. The author, Lisa See, is not an adoptee, and her limited knowledge of adoption and adoptee identity development was very apparent throughout the book. At the end of the meeting, the adoptive mothers in the group began discussing book possibilities for future meetings. This prompted me to put together a list of adoption reading for anyone considering an adoption themed book club or wanting more information about adoption.

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