The Concept of Found Family

                                                            The Concept of Found Family

The ideology behind the concept of a "found family" has become increasingly popular within modern society nowadays. It refers to a group of people who are not biologically related but who form strong emotional bonds and consider themselves family. It challenges the idea that "blood is thicker than water."

Here's why Found Families Matter:

• Emotional Support: Found families can provide a sense of belonging and much needed emotional support for persons who were raised in unstable households that have caused them to have difficult or strained biological family relationships as adults.

• Shared Experiences: Going through shared experiences, whether it's challenges or triumphs, can strengthen the bonds within a found family. This can even be referred to as trauma bonding.

• Unconditional Love: Found families often offer unconditional love and acceptance, regardless of one's background or circumstances.

Examples of Found Families:

• Friendships: Close friendships can often feel like family. These are your people, your support system, the ones who become your pillars.

• Chosen Families: This term is often used to describe LGBTQ+ individuals who form supportive networks with other queer people.

• Support Groups: People who attend support groups for various issues, such as addiction or mental health, may form strong bonds with others who share similar experiences.

• Adoptive Families: While adoptive families are legally recognized as family, they can also be considered found families in a broader sense. This is a truly special bond that can aid in the repair of significant trauma for abandoned children.

Have you ever been part of or witnessed a found family? What do you think makes these relationships so special?