Dear Kiki,
We are in the process of adopting a young child from Taiwan. As a second generation Chinese and grew up speaking Cantonese. I grew up understanding the culture my family had back in China. I feel confident that I can pick up Taiwanese phrases easily and learn how to cook Taiwanese food. How else can I help my adoptee adapt to a new culture while maintaining his identity in America?
–Caring new parent
Welcoming your adoptee
While this is a joyous time for your family, it is also a major transitional period with complicated emotions. As a transnational adoptee, your child will not only be joining a new family, but he will also be leaving a place of familiarity and moving to a new country.
These big life changes are difficult to deal with for anyone, especially for a child.
As a second generation Asian American (and caring parent!), you are aware of the challenges he may face when integrating into a new community, as well as the cultural nuances.
This insight will come in handy as you connect with him, as well as help him through future obstacles that might come his way.
Every adoptee’s experience is different. As you prepare for your child’s arrival, I encourage you to learn about other adoptee experiences, including transnational adoptee speakers highlighted in our list of adoptee awareness resources, Patrick Samuel Yung Armstrong and KatieTheKAD, as well as Taiwanese adoptee and author, Marijane Huang.
Bond as a family
Bringing your child home for the first time can be an exciting and nerve-wracking experience for everyone. For an adoptee to adapt to a new culture in a new place where he doesn’t know anyone, you are his security blanket.
Start from the basics, as you reach out to make a genuine connection.
What you’ve suggested – cooking Taiwanese dishes and learning his language – is a good place to begin. These are thoughtful ways to…
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