General Chat

I've only recently started researching my tree, but my 9 yr old has pointed out that I am, in fact, researching my mother's adoptive parents' lines. I told her thats because my grandparents, even though they hadn't given birth to my mum, were still 'my' grandparents....theirs were the only family I knew, I loved them to bits, I mourned them when they died, I even named my daughter after my nana! I know my mum would like me to be able to trace her natural mother at some point, but I can't see that happening soon (she has never applied for her original birth certificate, so has zero information to go on, apart from her date of birth and the fact that she was born and adopted in Wales!!) Maybe when I am more experienced I will be able to look at that side of things, but am I so wrong to claim my nana and grandad's ancestors as mine??

Sarah, I think it is wonderful what you are doing - there is certainly nothing wrong with it. It shows how much you love your grandparents - keep up the good work :-) :-)

No - you're right :) I'm adopted and have been tracing my adoptive family tree for years - although I'm not genetically descended from them, my wonderful family are:) David

Hi Sarah no its not wrong to trace your adopted side of the family, they are your family, anyone can make a child, but a special person to be a parent. good luck in your search sandra

hi sarah no your not wrong good luck with your research tina x

If you feel it is right then that is all that matters. As for your adopted family, how lovely for them for you to feel that way. It is your way of acknowledging how much the family mean to you and I hope they are all walking around with big grins on their faces. Good luck Jacky :-)

Just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone for your wonderful comments of support. My daughter is delightfully logical for her age (one day when I eventually trace our birth lines maybe I'll find out where she gets her brains from!! lol) but children do have a way of making you question yourselves. I feel happier knowing that tracing my family through adoptive lines is just as valid as tracing the birth lines...mine, and my mum's, childhood memories are coming to life on my tree! Your replies have put into words exactly what I was thinking, I just wasn't sure how to say it. Thank you again Sarah

Hi Sarah I'm adopted and I've taken on the huge task of doing both lines!! I want to do my adoptive tree because they are my parents and the family to which I belong, but I also want to do my birth tree because of the 'blood' link. What I've actually done is two separate logins on GC so that I can keep track easily, and I'm very methodical - I think you have to be with so many people involved - and do a generation at a time on each line. Do whatever's right for you! Good luck, love Mandy :)

My grandad was my 'step' grandad, but he brought my mum up, and he loved her and us as much as any blood grandad could. I would not dream of leaving him off my family tree!!!