Five Tips for Helping Adopted Children Adapt and Thrive
Adjusting During Adoptions
Many individuals adopt children of various ages from the United States and abroad. Understanding how to help a child adapt and thrive before they enter a new home is vital for their mental and physical development. In many cases, adoption involves an older child who realizes the situation is different, leading to confusion and stress.
One: Accept Crying Episodes
An infant will accept new parents easily while an older child is often afraid. This is a normal reaction that can lead to crying episodes that last for a long amount of time. Allowing the child to feel the fear instead of getting angry is the best reaction. Stay nearby as the child cries while talking reassuringly as they become calmer.
Two: Allow Personality Differences
Avoid comparing siblings or cousins with an adopted child. No two children in a family are the same even when there is a biological connection. Older adopted children will have well developed personalities with strengths and weaknesses that are part of who they are. Trying to change a child’s personality will make the adoptive adjustment more difficult while creating resentment.
Three: Getting Legal Advice
Getting legal advice on Utah adoption laws or adoption laws in any state before and during the process can prevent difficulties that cause problems. Every adoption requires numerous complex documents that must be submitted on time. Attorneys specializing in assisting clients with adoptions can provide information to make the legalities easier to deal with, making everyone feel stress free and comfortable.
Four: Prepare a Place
An adopted child needs to be welcomed into the home with a special place that is their own. Have a bedroom ready with furniture and toys, but remember an older child may want to choose decor they like. This is a fantastic opportunity to get to know your child’s personality while on shopping trips.
Five: Introduce Family Slowly
Your adopted child is part of an extended family that may include grandparents, aunts and uncles. Try not to overwhelm the child in the beginning with too many relatives at once. A great option to make it easier is preparing a photograph album that allows the child to see new relatives.
Bonding Takes Time
Emotionally bonding with an adopted baby, toddler or older child takes time and effort. Get the child involved in family activities that make them feel happy and contented. Spend time each day with the child talking to them about how they feel during the adoption process.
- What You Need To Know About Tamulosin - June 18, 2018
- Baby Walking the Walk: 5 Ways to Childproof Your Doors - June 5, 2014
- 6 Ways to Determine If Your Little One Needs Glasses - June 4, 2014
My sister and her husband have wanted to adopt a child for a long time now. I love your tip about allowing your adopted child to have their own special place that’s their own and allowing them to decorate it. It also makes sense that you’d want to introduce them to your extended family slowly so they’re not overwhelmed.