For Adoptees Adopted from Birth

Early Awareness & Identity

1. When did you first learn you were adopted, and how was it explained to you?

2. Did you always feel comfortable with the idea of being adopted, or did your feelings change over time?

3. How has adoption influenced your sense of identity, especially in childhood versus adulthood?

4. Did you ever feel different from your peers because of your adoption? How did that affect you?

Family & Connection

5. How did your adoptive parents talk about your birth family? Did their approach shape how you view your adoption?

6. Have you ever searched for or connected with your birth family? If so, what was that experience like?

7. If you haven’t searched, what are your thoughts on the idea of reconnecting?

8. What would you want to say to your birth parents if you had the opportunity?

Challenges & Growth

9. What has been the most challenging part of being adopted that others might not understand?

10. Have you ever struggled with feelings of loss, rejection, or not fitting in? How have you processed those emotions?

11. How do you navigate conversations with people who misunderstand or romanticize adoption?

12. What aspects of adoption have been the most rewarding or have brought you personal growth?

Perceptions & Advocacy

13. What do you wish more people understood about adoptees and their experiences?

14. If you could change one thing about how society talks about adoption, what would it be?

15. How do you feel about the phrase “you’re lucky to be adopted”? Has anyone said that to you?

16. What advice would you give to prospective adoptive parents to better understand and support their child?

For Adoptees Adopted Later in Life

Life Before Adoption

1. Can you describe your early childhood before you were adopted? What was life like for you?

2. Were you aware that adoption was a possibility before it happened? How did that make you feel?

3. What was the hardest part about transitioning into an adoptive family?

4. Did you ever feel like you had to “earn” your place in your adoptive family or prove yourself?

Emotional & Social Impact

5. How did being adopted later in life shape your sense of trust and relationships with others?

6. Did you experience challenges in feeling like you “belonged” in your new family? If so, how did you cope?

7. How did adoption impact your friendships or school experiences? Did people treat you differently?

8. Have you ever struggled with feelings of grief over leaving behind your birth family or previous life?

Perspective & Growth

9. What has been the hardest part of your adoption journey, and how have you worked through it?

10. Has adoption changed your perspective on family, love, or relationships? If so, in what way?

11. If you could go back and talk to your younger self before the adoption, what would you say?

12. What advice would you give to another child or teen who is about to be adopted?

Advocacy & Reflection

13. What do you wish your adoptive family had understood or done differently during your transition?

14. How do you respond when people make assumptions about adoption or your experience?

15. What do you think society, adoption agencies, or adoptive parents could do better to support adoptees adopted later in life?

16. What does family mean to you now, and how has that definition evolved since being adopted?

Share Here!

Share as much or as little as you want! You don’t have to answer a single question above or answer them all in a row. This is your place to share your truth your way!