There’s a certain kind of person who carries the world quietly on her shoulders.She learned early that love was earned through usefulness.That her worth was measured by how much she could hold without breaking.And that to need less was to be loved more. Many eldest daughters of immigrant families were
Understanding Why You Were Given (or Took On) So Much For so many eldest daughters of immigrant families, responsibility didn’t arrive with a ceremony. It wasn’t given like a gift; it crept in quietly, folded into the corners of everyday life. You learned to bridge two worlds: the language of
Defining the Eldest Daughter Experience When we talk about the eldest daughter, we usually mean the first-born girl. But often, the realities are more complex. The mantle of “eldest-ness” may shift (or be placed on someone) not always by birth, but by burden, by culture, by necessity. This broader understanding
Growing up with emotionally immature (EI) parents often leaves adult children with lingering confusion, frustration, and self-doubt. EI parents may have been reactive, dismissive, self-centered, or simply emotionally unavailable. They often lacked the capacity to attune to your feelings or needs. As a child, you may have developed coping mechanisms
Aging is a natural part of life, but when it begins to affect our parents, it can feel particularly disorienting and overwhelming. For many adult children, especially within Asian communities, navigating a parent’s aging process can bring up deep emotional responses, cultural expectations, and sometimes, grief long before any physical
Mental health in Asian American communities is complex, layered, and often silenced. For generations, many Asian families have internalized the belief that emotional expression is a sign of weakness—or worse, selfishness. Mental illness is not named; it is hidden behind phrases like “just tired,” “too sensitive,” or “not strong enough.”
If you know, you know. Being the eldest daughter in an Asian American family isn’t just about birth order—it’s a role, a responsibility, a quiet contract you never signed but somehow agreed to the moment you took your first breath. From an early age, you learn that your presence carries
Being the eldest daughter in an immigrant family comes with distinct and often overwhelming expectations. In a recent conversation led by therapists Linda Yoon and Soo Jin Lee with Israa Nasir, we explore these dynamics and offer guidance on understanding and managing this experience. Understanding Toxic Productivity Cultural and Gender
It can be complicated to manage relationship dynamics between siblings in a typical family. When one family member is neurodivergent, this can add complexity to the family dynamics and roles. While neurodivergence certainly affects the family member themselves, it can also affect the other members of the family. It can
In a world that often prioritizes tradition over flexibility, navigating neurodivergence during the holidays can be particularly stressful. The holiday season can also highlight the complexities of family dynamics—especially for families navigating neurodivergence. Angela Nguyen, a therapist specializing in ADHD and neurodivergent family systems, shares her personal journey and professional
