A Smooth Transition: Five Ways to Help Your Adopted Child Adjust

Adopting a child is a big adjustment, both for you and obviously for the child! You’ve gone through a lot to make the adoption possible, and you want everything to go perfectly when your new child arrives.

Adoption Transition Plan

There are things you can do to make the transition easier, both for your child and for you. Here are a few of them.

1. Make things comfy.
   What has your child been used to? You can talk to foster parents, orphanage personnel, or the child’s birth parents to get an idea of what your child is accustomed to.It’s very useful to know something about your child’s current routines so that you can duplicate them as much as possible. Favorite games, favorite toys—this is useful information in providing your child with an environment that’s going to make her adjustment easier.
2. Avoid overwhelming your child.
   The temptation is to have everything you can buy in your new child’s room, but this may actually make the adjustment more difficult. Initially provide a room that’s soothing, not overly bright or cluttered; it’s always possible to add more later. Be prepared to help your child settle into the new environment. It can be hard for any of us to sleep in a new room, and it’s doubly hard for young children.
3. Keep celebrations low-key.
   You may be planning a welcoming party for your child, with your extended family in attendance, but it’s best to wait a couple of weeks. Your child is making a lot of adjustments all at once—getting used to Uncle Vinnie and his silly jokes is probably too much to expect of her in the first week or two.
4. Provide plenty of contact.
   Part of bonding with you is simply being close to you. There are tools to facilitate closeness for babies and toddlers, such as slings or other carriers. As much as possible, take your child with you wherever you go. This will help you and your child bond, and it will also introduce your child to their new environment.
5. Expect a period of adjustment.
   It’s quite an adjustment for a small child, leaving behind all the people she knew and all the familiar places. The process of acclimating to a new place may take a while. Don’t force it; be guided by what your child seems ready for.

If you’re expecting a new addition to your family, congratulations! If you’re hoping to adopt and need assistance, Huntsville Adoption Attorney can guide you through this challenging but incredibly rewarding process. Contact us today to learn more!