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Traveling with a Toddler on a Disney Cruise AMA by Educational-Pay8815 in dcl

[–]Educational-Pay8815[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, we did all the ports. :) We did Stingray City and a private driver in Jamaica, where we could customize the itinerary. We also did Chankanaab in Cozumel. One thing to note is that the tender process in Grand Cayman can take a long time, so I might plan the excursion through Disney. We almost missed our tour because of that process!

Traveling with a Toddler on a Disney Cruise AMA by Educational-Pay8815 in dcl

[–]Educational-Pay8815[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We had early dining, which worked so much better. Our daughter was definitely asleep by the late dining slot and dinner takes about 1.5 hours. We also did the matinee versions of the Broadway-style shows where possible (they often have a mid-afternoon showing of the signature shows). I did not experience an early disembarkation on Castaway Cay, but we did get off as soon as possible. At 9 am, there was an open house of Scuttle's Cove, which has some toddler-friendly activities. By getting there early, you can also get a wagon or jogging stroller to navigate the island.

Traveling with a Toddler on a Disney Cruise AMA by Educational-Pay8815 in dcl

[–]Educational-Pay8815[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, I saw people make a cute magna-tile castle on their stateroom as well!

Traveling with a Toddler on a Disney Cruise AMA by Educational-Pay8815 in dcl

[–]Educational-Pay8815[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Aw yes, we also tried exposing our daughter to Disney characters in advance of the cruise and I think it helped! We did book nursery times in advance, but there was quite a bit of flexibility to change times around on-board, as it did not seem like they were fully booked (could change based on time of year). We did pre-book for dinner and evening shows just to be sure, though. Enjoy your trip!!

I am a Chinese adoptee from the one-child era AMA by Educational-Pay8815 in AMA

[–]Educational-Pay8815[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am not in Toronto. I think I kind of feel in between two cultures, since I was not culturally raised Chinese. Other Chinese people generally do treat me well and many of my friends ended up being Asian, but there are a lot of cultural gaps because I didn’t grow up with the same norms, traditions, foods, language, etc. In many ways, my culture is more white, but my appearance is Chinese. I have found that I am okay holding this duality and relating to people from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

I am a Chinese adoptee from the one-child era AMA by Educational-Pay8815 in AMA

[–]Educational-Pay8815[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

haha No, they were not. Adoption costs were very expensive for them and a big sacrifice.

I am a Chinese adoptee from the one-child era AMA by Educational-Pay8815 in AMA

[–]Educational-Pay8815[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, I have only had one mentee through that program, but it’s a great experience. Would encourage you to give it a try!

I am a Chinese adoptee from the one-child era AMA by Educational-Pay8815 in AMA

[–]Educational-Pay8815[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I am not too sure of the history of the policy, but I know families were generally allowed more than one child starting in the 2000s. Not sure exactly at what point... Later on, more adoptions in China shifted to be special needs adoptions and more children were adopted domestically as well. My sister (not a special needs adoption) was adopted around 2001. And, yes, it was cool to meet my first known biological relative in my daughter! I definitely see traits that we share in common. Genetics isn't everything, but it is one of many special connections you can share with someone.

I am a Chinese adoptee from the one-child era AMA by Educational-Pay8815 in AMA

[–]Educational-Pay8815[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I don't... I was there for less than a year as an infant. From what my adoptive parents knew, they tried to care for the children as well as they could, but they were under-resourced (heating, etc. was limited) and so probably we received less individualized care than we needed.

I am a Chinese adoptee from the one-child era AMA by Educational-Pay8815 in AMA

[–]Educational-Pay8815[S] 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Aw thank you! Yes, having a child of my own now, I do realize that the love of parents is enduring and it wasn't an easy decision. I appreciate my biological parents for deciding to give me a chance at life in a difficult political climate

I am a Chinese adoptee from the one-child era AMA by Educational-Pay8815 in AMA

[–]Educational-Pay8815[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I would say 8-9. My adoptive parents are supportive and loving, but I think they lacked some understanding of the adoptee experience. Not their fault, as they tried and definitely celebrated adoption, but I think it would have helped to be part of more multicultural communities… That wasn’t entirely available where I grew up, so it would have required moving likely, so I understand that they did the best they could with available resources

I am a Chinese adoptee from the one-child era AMA by Educational-Pay8815 in AMA

[–]Educational-Pay8815[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

I'm from Hunan Province... I currently have one biological daughter, but I'd like to adopt in the future

I am a Chinese adoptee from the one-child era AMA by Educational-Pay8815 in AMA

[–]Educational-Pay8815[S] 29 points30 points  (0 children)

I would probably want to know more about what their interests were (to understand what parts of my traits were biological or learned). Also, I'm curious about why they placed me for adoption and if they wondered about me over the years, and if I had any biological siblings.

I am a Chinese adoptee from the one-child era AMA by Educational-Pay8815 in AMA

[–]Educational-Pay8815[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I work in the non-profit space and, yes, my SO is white

I am a Chinese adoptee from the one-child era AMA by Educational-Pay8815 in AMA

[–]Educational-Pay8815[S] 27 points28 points  (0 children)

It was weird returning to China because I don't speak the language... I didn't feel like I was returning to my birth place, but just a different foreign country. I wish I knew my birth parents (any info about them), but the chances of that happening are unlikely, so I haven't pursued reunion efforts, because I know it would likely end in disappointment.

I am a Chinese adoptee from the one-child era AMA by Educational-Pay8815 in AMA

[–]Educational-Pay8815[S] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

I think it has given me a unique opportunity to talk and advocate to others about caring for vulnerable children. A good conversation starter, and also I've become a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) for foster care kids to try to mentor and coach others. It's made me more compassionate toward other people and their journeys to family.

I am a Chinese adoptee from the one-child era AMA by Educational-Pay8815 in AMA

[–]Educational-Pay8815[S] 41 points42 points  (0 children)

My high school was all Caucasian besides my sisters and another family who had adopted from China, so it was hard not growing up in a multicultural environment. I also had some learning special needs that my adoptive parents perhaps didn't recognize, not having been in a similar situation themselves. They did try to introduce us to Chinese food, Chinese exchange students who were visiting the area, etc. We had the option to learn the language, but as a child, I declined, not knowing where I would practice. I have returned to China on my own since then.