It's becoming a fairly common phenomenon. Chinese immigrants, facing mounting financial and cultural pressures, temporarily send their American-born children to live with relatives in China, bringing them back when the parents are more established and the children are older, around pre-school age.
But social service agencies are tracking a disconcerting trend. Many of the kids who return to the United States, traumatized by the shock of displacement, are suffering developmental problems: Chinese-American Children Sent to Live With Kin Abroad Face a Tough Return.
This sucks. Because no parent wants to send their kid to China, even if it is with relatives. But for some working-class families, it might seem like the only viable option. Now that the developmental pitfalls are being identified, let's hope community efforts can help families find alternatives.
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