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 Carli,
9 years old from Pennsylvania, asked "Hey Rachel!" what to
do if kids at school laugh at them because they are adopted.
This question really struck me as one that needed attention.
I remember when we first adopted my brother; I was in first
grade and when I returned to school after the adoption a lot
of my classmates had questions. I remember some of the boys
in my class asking if my "adopted brother" was my "real" brother.
The thought never crossed my mind that he was anything other
than my "real" brother. To me, it didn't matter that he was
adopted because he was a part of my family.
No one should laugh at, or make fun of, the fact that you are adopted. Unfortunately people often make fun of things they are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with. Sometimes kids laugh because they are curious and are too shy to ask you about it. Sometimes people laugh at something or someone because they don't understand. Kids at school may make fun of kids who are adopted because they do not look like their parents. People who are not adopted may not be educated about the truths vs. the myths of adoption. There are stereotypes about birth parents that portray them in a negative way. Sometimes it's hard because TV shows and movies don't always do a good job of talking about adoption in a positive way. This all contributes to misinformation about adoption. No matter what the reasons are, it is not okay for anyone to bully you or make fun of you because you are adopted. If you feel uncomfortable with the way you are being treated at school try talking to your parents, school guidance counselor, or a teacher you trust. They can be very helpful in these types of situations.
There is also a place on the Adoption Clubhouse website that provides answers to questions that kids at school might ask; you can find that information here Annoying Questions and Quick Comebacks. You should not have to put up with teasing or bullying from anyone. Some suggestions for coping with teasing are to ignore it, to talk to someone about it, or to confront the people directly and tell them how it makes you feel. There's a quote that says "Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life, but define yourself". This quote means don't let anyone tell you who you are. Don't be afraid to be who you are. Most of all remember that the love you and your family share is what binds you together, and no one can take that away from you, no matter what they say!
Rachel
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