Children impacted by any kind of family separation, whether it be foster care, adoption, or divorce, don’t have to feel thankful during Thanksgiving or any other holiday. There, I said it!
Sure, for most people, Thanksgiving is a joyful time of year filled with family gatherings, shared traditions, and expressions of gratitude. But this year, it might be harder than normal to find things to be thankful for, and we should be willing to offer understanding to children and ourselves.
Unfortunately, for some, Thanksgiving holiday festivities can also trigger feelings of sadness, loss, fear, and isolation. School discussions centered on family, food, and traditions can unintentionally highlight the differences in students’ lives, bringing up painful reminders of family separation, unfulfilled wishes, or confusing emotions around their past and current family dynamics.
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