Season 6: What I Wish My Parents Knew About Adoption

Adopted people often reflect on their experiences differently as they grow older, gaining new perspectives on identity, belonging, family and what support felt most meaningful along the way. This episode centres adoptee experience, offering parents an opportunity to hear directly from someone who has lived it. Join host Eddie Elliott as he speaks with James, a screenwriting graduate, care-experienced advocate and adoptee, about his experiences of growing up adopted and the things he wishes his parents had known. Fostered from two months old and adopted at the age of two, James reflects on what helped him feel secure in his adoption story, how his feelings about adoption changed over time, and the value of having space to explore difficult emotions openly. They discuss common misconceptions about adoption, ways parents can encourage honest conversations, and how families can create a sense of belonging while recognising the complexities that adoption can bring. The conversation also explores the importance of listening to children's experiences, validating their feelings and supporting them as their understanding of adoption develops through childhood and into adulthood. This episode offers thoughtful insight for adoptive parents looking to better understand their child's perspective and build relationships rooted in openness, trust and connection. **Contact We Are Family & the Adoption Shared Team:** Tweet us @WAFadoption #AdoptionShared Tweet Eddie @Eddielliott Email us hello@wearefamilyadoption.org.uk Join us www.wearefamilyadoption.org.uk We prioritise the privacy of guests and their children. All identifying information has been changed or removed. We provide guidance to all guests about how and whether details of their adoption journey and their children’s stories are shared.