Holt adoptee Qiulan Henderson shares some advice for adoptive parents about how they can build a strong and loving relationship with their child.

My name is Qiulan, which means “autumn orchid” in Chinese.  I was born in China, and I came to America three years ago when I was 10.  When I was first adopted, I was so scared because I didn’t know what it would feel like to live in America and be in a family.  Now I know I am safe and loved, but it is still hard, and even now I feel like I am still learning what it means to be in a family and to trust.

I am learning many things about America, including the way that parents raise their children.  I have tons of ideas for parents that I want to share, so maybe I can help parents understand their newly adopted child and I can help a child who is being adopted.  I know what it feels like to be adopted, and I have a lot of empathy for newly adopted kids.