Adoption is a highly rewarding experience but not always an easy one. Once the adoption process is complete, the time has come to bring home your child. However, you shouldn't be disheartened if it's not smooth sailing straight away, it can take months to build a bond with the child. Change can be overwhelming for the child, particularly with foreign children, becoming accustomed to unknown surroundings and a new way of life can be challenging.
In this article, we’ll explore how you can support your adopted child to adjust to their new home and settle into their new life in the first few days and weeks.
Make The Child Feel At Home
On the first day in their new home, an adopted child is likely to feel anxious due to being in a new environment with unfamiliar people. Giving children a designated bedroom enables them to have their own space where they feel safe and secure.
If possible, try to find out the child's interests and preferences before bringing them home. Decorating their room in their favourite colour or filling it with toys to play with can help a child feel the room belongs to them and help them settle in more easily.
Cook Their Favourite Meal
Understandably, adoptive children can feel overwhelmed with the amount of change involved in moving in with a new family. One way to make your home feel less foreign to them is by cooking some dishes from their home country if they are not from the UK, or their favourite meal.
Create Simple Routines
Build simple but consistent routines so the child knows what to expect from their day. The routine shouldn't be too extensive but include set meal times and a few activities. You could try implementing walks, reading or movie time to add a little structure to the day. A routine will help children minimise uncertainty and begin to adapt to their new life.
Bonding With The Child
How best to bond with a newly adopted child depends on their age and life experiences. For adopted newborns, parents should prioritise skin-to-skin contact as a way of bonding with the child and speaking to them in a baby voice that is calming and reassuring.
For young children, providing consistent attention, affection and interaction through play and games can make them feel loved and secure.
Depending on their background, older children with more life experiences may be more hesitant. Adoptive children who have previously lived in many homes may believe this home is only temporary. Establishing clear and fair house rules can help older children get used to their new environment. With consistent routines and patience, children will become more comfortable and settle into their new home.
Need Family Solicitors?
At DJP Solicitors, we’re a law firm with more than 15 years of experience practising family law. We’re proud to protect and support your family through adoption, child custody and more.
If you’re in the process of child adoption or looking to adopt, our team of family solicitors can assist you with all the legal paperwork and details about relocation, education provision and medical care disputes to make the process go as smoothly as possible.
To learn more about our adoption services, call us at 01224 590053 or contact us online today.
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