Bruce had been a cheerful, outgoing child who had many friends. But when he turned 15, his parents noticed a change in him. He seemed more withdrawn and less gregarious. One day, when Bruce and his mother, Karen, were driving home from school, he seemed particularly down. When Karen asked him what was wrong, he said, “I’m not who you think I am.”
Adoptees and the Seven Core Issues of Adoption
Adopted persons tend to experience seven core issues related to their adoption. Discussions of adoption over the years have often overlooked the pain and struggles of adoptees, but identifying these core issues and helping children integrate them as they grow validates their experiences, decreasing feelings of being different and isolated.
Birth Parents on Their Minds
Your teen probably spends a lot of time thinking (or fantasizing) about her birth mother. Here’s how to get some of those thoughts out in the open.
Helping Your Child with Peer Exclusion
Parents cannot prevent their child from experiencing exclusion or feeling “different” from time to time. You can, however, lessen the negative effects of this common occurrence during the preteen years.
Easy Does It!
Even preschoolers can get stressed by holidays. A few simple games and activities can ward off the meltdowns.
The Tales They Tell
Preschoolers love stories. Listen carefully and you might learn a thing or two.
The Continuing Adoption Conversation
Around age six or seven, children start to wonder, “Who am I?” This is when our children can truly understand that joining your family through adoption means they left another.
Setting Appropriate Behavioral Expectations
When younger children misbehave, they may not really know that they are misbehaving, and can be easily distracted or physically moved. But by age three to five, a child should be more aware of inappropriate behavior.
“Come Play with Me!”
Projective play can help kids work out complex feelings about adoption. So, the next time your child says, “Come play with me!” Make sure you say, “Yes!”
Why Babies Need Books
Babies respond not only to the visual stimuli of books, but to the intimate act of storytelling.
What Will Their Friends Think?
As kids grow up, they look to their friends for acceptance — and desperately want to fit in.
Sweet Dreams
If you thought you’d seen the end of bedtime battles, your preschooler may show you a thing or two!
Question Confidence
Other kids are going to ask about it — so prepare your preschooler for questions about adoption.
On the Safe Side
After months of waiting, you finally get “the call.” But is your home really ready for a baby?
New Kid on the Block
Adding to your family again? Ease the transition for your preschooler by being prepared for new-sibling anxiety.
Milestones That Matter
Every child develops at his own pace. But there are signs you should watch for.
Healthy Eyes and Ears
Your newly adopted infant has a lot of information to take in. Proper screening will ensure that he’s tuned in.
A New ‘Forever’
Adoptive children can feel familial changes, like divorce after adoption, particularly keenly. Use these tips to help kids adapt to new stepparents.
Understanding Your Preschooler’s Questions — “I Want That, Too!”
Your preschooler may ask you for all kinds of things. But what is he really saying?
Is Culture Camp for Us?
What will my child learn and talk about at camp? What would our family take away from a week attending together?