[JinYeong]

i just want to say to people that have very young children from korean and or parents thinking of adopting that i emplore you to let them find themself. Let them find their own identity, you can advise them but don't force them to a certain lifestyle.

I myself am an adopted korean boy, i was 7 when i was adopted and i must say i was cute but as grew up i endured hardships. Not from my parents or family but from my peers. they didnt' understand my position. As i grew up i realized that i had to comform to the norm sooo for the longest time i was "white" and as i grew older i went through many identities. Now im 25 and i really am glad that my parents kept and open mind ( you have to have an open mind to adopt!!!!) never forced any lifestyle on me. now i do feel like im a asian american and now trying to get back to my roots. I am a tae kwon do instructor that imersed myself in the korean culture.

i wish you the best but please keep and open mind on ur son or daughter...

thnk you...

[adoptkoreablog]

It is always wise to keep an open mind - in all directions. All children are so different. I wish that there was a crystal ball that said what kids would look for when they grow older. My parents made good choices for me. They kept an open mind and let me make my own choices.

[ahfdragonfly]

Thanks for the reminder! I sometimes just sit & watch her sleep, or play with her cousins, and wonder what she'll like or do or want as she grows. How will we handle the teen years or answer the really tough questions? Am I prepared enough? If I don't say the "right" thing, please just don't let me screw her up too bad!

Mo - I don't so much need the crystal ball, but I would really like and instruction book!! Seriously, an individualized one for this child, that would help me understand all the issues, like the sleep(less) thing, or the skin issues. On my bad days (we've been up all night, we're both sick, had a bad week at work ...) I start to wonder, "If I can't help her sleep at night, how will I help her through an identity issue?"

That was quite the long-winded thank you, but thanks again for the reminder that our job is to be their parent, their job is to be themselves.