LibraryScenariosHow to explain chosen family boundaries to children
Scenario

How to explain chosen family boundaries to children

I changed my name when I got married to distance myself from my abusive family but now my daughter is asking why she doesn't have any grandparents.

Juana
Online
The coach is replying

More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

Protective identity choices create gaps that children experience as losses, requiring navigation between safety and belonging.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with Adopted identity — chosen and given?”

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.