Adopted kids often enter adolescence with deep questions about identity, belonging and why they were given up — even if they cannot consciously remember the trauma. As they shift from concrete to abstract thinking in their teen years, feelings of loss, abandonment and being “different” can surface more strongly. Parents can help by listening without judgment, talking openly about feelings, staying connected and offering long-term patience — knowing these issues often take years to resolve. Adoption is a beautiful gift, but parents must understand that their child sees the world through a unique lens, and that compassion and presence are critical.

If you’re walking through a hard season with your teen, you don’t have to face it alone. Join Mark for a Families in Crisis Conference in Texas. Learn more and register at familycrisisretreat.com 

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit parentingtodayteens.org.