Identity formation is a process that happens throughout life. It is partly defined by where you feel like you fit in within your family and peer group. It can be based on race, culture, age, employment…just to name a few. Adoptees often see their identity as incomplete, unknown, unsteady or contradictory. They feel caught between the identity of their birth family/culture/race and the identity of their adoptive parents. Certain developmental milestones such as birthdays, holidays, becoming a parent, and going away to school can exacerbate identity confusion for adoptees.
Looking at the identity process in an adoptee has been researched more in the last 10 years, most often by interviewing adult adoptees and their journey of claiming their identity. We are going to look more closely at some of this research and hear from an adoptive parent who has helped her children understand and process their identities as both part of her family and part of their birth family. Knowing who you are is part of the process of determining who you want to be. Learn tips and tool to support your child's identity development. And learn why supporting the foundation of your child's identity truly matters.
