Show Hope x Listicle Blog
12 TIPS FOR WELCOMING HOME A CHILD
If you’re preparing to welcome your child home through adoption, there are some very practical things you can do to help ease your child’s transition. The following ideas may be helpful to you in the period surrounding placement:
1. Find ways to help your child build connection with the new environment they will enter when they come home. If at all possible, send photos of your home and family to your child prior to placement. This will help to ease the uncertainties that are inherent in such a large transition. Make sure to mark the photos with the names of each family member or room so that caretakers can accurately interface with your child on the photos. Suggested photos would include immediate family members, the outside of your house, play area/yard, shared family space, and their bedroom/bed. It can also be helpful to send a blanket or stuffed animal that appears in the photos you share (to ensure against loss, buy a set of two; one is sent during the wait, and the other waits at home for their arrival).
2. Learn how your child likes to play. Since you will most likely have time with your child in their birth country before returning home, find out as much as possible about how they like to play. For example, take them to the park and watch them have fun. Then, once you’re home, try to recreate this same type of play. If you’re able to visit the orphanage or foster home where your child received care, ask questions about their schedule and preferences on play, if possible.
3. Cook familiar food. Take some time to research what type of diet your child is accustomed to before you travel. If you’re able to visit the home or orphanage where your child received care, ask your child’s caregivers about their specific diet and preferences. When eating out during your adoption trip, buffets can be a very helpful resource as you learn their likes and dislikes in foods. Once home, take time to ease them into your own cuisine, trying to include foods that are familiar to them. Keeping a few known ‘likes’ on hand for snacks or meals can reassure a child they have food security in your care. Learn to make a few simple dishes from their culture, or grab carryout from a restaurant with similar options.
4. Minimize homecoming hoopla. The homecoming experience itself can be overwhelming for both the child and the parents. After hours and hours of traveling, it might be difficult for you to entertain extended family members and friends while also caring for the needs of your new child. With the shift in caregivers, foods, schedule, sights, and sounds continuously in play for a child transitioning into their new family, the added sensory intake of navigating the attention of strangers can feel overwhelming. Postpone visits for a few days while you recover from jet lag, allowing your child to make their initial transition home at their own pace. For ideas on how to invite your friends and family into this process, read this sample letter.
5. Return to your schedule as soon as possible. At first, time differences and jet lag can wreak havoc with your schedule and routine, but make sure you start moving in the direction of your regular bed times, meal times, play times, prayer times, etc, as soon as possible. Not only will the routine help your child’s transition, but it will also help the rest of the family adjust to their new normal.
6. Adjust sleeping arrangements. At least for the first few nights, sleep in close proximity to your child. It’s best to be close in case they have a nightmare, need to use the bathroom, or need a drink of water. Keep in mind that every aspect of your child’s life changed the moment they entered your family, so expect some bumps along the way.
7. Be sensitive to the impact of change. The separation from the familiar (as well as the fear of the unknown) can cause children to react in different ways. The best thing to do in situations where the child is grieving for the familiar is to pray for comfort and let the child lead. If they need to be held, sung to, or just left alone for a bit, try to be sensitive to it. These things take time.
8. Transcend the language barrier. Since language can be an issue early on, try watching cartoons or children’s movies in which the dialogue is minimal. What’s more, make an effort to practice some basic
phrases in their native language to help make the initial transition easier. There are a number of translation apps that can be a great help early on in the language learning process!
9. Take time for yourselves, too. It’s important to take care of yourself, too, even if it means waiting until the kids are in bed, fixing a snack, and finding a relaxing way to unplug. Carving out time to recharge will pay dividends not only for you, but for your entire family.
10. Understand cultural differences and expectations. For children transitioning from abroad or who have been living in institutions, visits to Disneyland, sporting events, or large parties can be overwhelming (or even scary). Let these types of events fit more naturally into your schedule at a later time.
11. Be flexible with discipline. While discipline is certainly important, flexibility in the early days is wise. This is especially important because it’s possible children will not have experienced consistent, loving discipline in their previous environment. Additionally, the language barrier may not allow them to fully understand why they are being corrected. Utilize resources from Show Hope’s partnership
with Empowered to Connect, and consider attending an Empowered to Connect conference near you.
12. Pray, pray, pray. Most importantly, pray as individuals, as a couple (if you are married), and as a family for your new child. Pray for patience and wisdom. Pray that your child will find their identity in the One who has loved them from the start.
Do you have other suggestions that can help families as they prepare to welcome their child home? Comment below and let us know!