In this episode, we look at another way adoptee experiences are pushed to the margin. Specifically, we talk about the adoptee-to-parent dynamic and how the initial push to have adoptees refer to their adoptive parents as "mom" and "dad" may become problematic. We discuss how often adoptees have families comprised of parents, siblings, and relationships with their friends, food, and community. Still, we as adoptees are forced to participate in their adoptive environment as if we haven't lost everything. In this episode, we shift the dynamic and center adoptees in the conversation of choice and their right to choose whether or not to call the new adoptive people in their lives as the dominant labels often forced their way. Adoptees are so resilient and much of that comes from constantly being stripped of their autonomy and their right to choose what they feel comfortable doing within an incredibly uncomfortable and life-altering process that is adoption. As always, feel free to reach out!    xoxo - Lidet