How long does it take for an adopted child to adjust?

Full adjustment to a new home and a new family can take a minimum of six months; some children take significantly longer than a year to get used to being adopted.

What is an adoption meeting?

The California Adoption Conference is a two-day event featuring talks and workshops for adoptive and foster families, adult adoptees and foster alums, birth parents, and adoption professionals. That’s why programs like the California Adoption Conference are so important.

Do you legally have to tell your child they are adopted?

While talking about adoption may sound simple in theory, many parents struggle with when and how to tell a child about adoption. However, don’t use this as an excuse: As a responsible adoptive parent, you do have to tell a child they are adopted — and you do have to celebrate their adoption story openly and honestly.

How do I meet my kids for the first time?

Aim to keep first introductions short and sweet. Pick an activity that has a clear beginning and end time so your children are not overwhelmed by the meeting. Does it incorporate the interests of the child? First introductions are stressful, so pick an activity that will keep your children engaged and entertained.

What should I do when I first meet my adopted child?

Provide food and water soon after arrival because food can calm a frightened child, and research has shown that children from hard places are often dehydrated. Newly adopted or foster children’s brains are on fire with fear. Our job as a parent is to calm this fear from the moment you first meet.

What to do when adopting or fostering a child past infancy?

When adopting or fostering a child past infancy, parents anticipate the first meeting and worry about what to do and say that will put their child (and themselves) at ease. I loved the very specific advice that Dr. Karyn Purvis shared on this Creating a Family show. Lower yourself to the height of the child when you are talking.

What to do when your adopted child is scared?

Arrange for a translator sometime that first week. Provide food and water soon after arrival because food can calm a frightened child, and research has shown that children from hard places are often dehydrated. Newly adopted or foster children’s brains are on fire with fear. Our job as a parent is to calm this fear from the moment you first meet.