Communities That Understand Their Stories

Children who are adopted—whether through foster care or directly into families—need more than homes; they need communities and schools that understand their stories. Parenting an adopted child begins with humility: the courage to admit you don’t know everything. That simple truth opens the door to learning and building the support a child truly deserves.

Being my daughter’s mom means seeing life through her eyes, finding people and resources to help her feel understood, and creating spaces where her identity is celebrated. In our family of four—with two daughters, one who came to us by birth and one through adoption—education may start at home, but it’s the teachers, counselors, and community experts who help bring those supports into her world every day. Their role in understanding her story is just as vital as mine. From how she cares for her beautiful curls and radiant brown skin to how she sees herself reflected in her classroom, every detail matters.

That’s also why I started Sweet Peach Tree – an online shop for natural hair and skin care for multiracial and transracial families like ours. It began as an act of love for my daughter—and has become a love letter to all families who believe in a world where every child’s hair, skin, and story are seen and valued.

Children who are adopted need homes filled with love—but also communities, schools and spaces that see them fully, honor their heritage, and celebrate who they are becoming.