Thread: half-sibs
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Old 05-15-2009, 07:27 AM
MilehighDad MilehighDad is offline
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I don't have experience with half-sibs, exactly, but we are definitely a family that inspires many questions where ever we go. I think part of what you are asking about is - what will it be like if people always ask if they are sisters because they don't quite look it?

Our oldest daughter is asian and our youngest is asian/hispanic, and our three in between are all caucasian. Being such a conspicuous family is uncomfortable at times, because people just can't contain their curiosity. Sometimes it's funny and you learn to just accept comments, but at other times it is downright wrong. A little old lady slapped my shoulder in the grocery store and said "she's too young for you" when I was there with my oldest and youngest one day.

But, the most important part is that I know why they look different and I don't mind a bit. They are all adorable and awesome. My worry is for how they will feel about it, but we have addressed that by being very open with all our kids from day one. We've given them all guidance on different ways they can respond to comments, and allowed them to be open or closed with their friends about their adoptions as time has gone by. One of the best days was when a lady quietly asked my youngest daughter if she was adopted and my daughter looked at her and said "Wow, that is a really personal question, do you talk about things like that with strangers?"

So, follow your heart and remember that for our kind of family it's love that defines the family, not blood. Embrace and celebrate that you're not a "normal" family and pass on to your kids that you are proud of that. How will you handle people asking and uncertainty? I don't know, but I do know you'll be able to address it when the time comes.

These girls need a home and someone to love them unconditionally. If your heart is calling out to them, then go for it!
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Adopted daughter, 9, placed from foster care at birth
Bio son, 11
Adopted daughter, 12, placed last November and finalized June 16th!! Woot woot!
Bio son, 14
Adopted daughter, 19, placed from foster care at 14
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