West Ridge Academy Assists Parents In Connecting With Their Adopted Children
Physical Attachment
Adopted children need the same hugs and words of encouragement as would any other normal children. Never deprive such comfort to your adopted child. This will assure them that everything is going to be fine, and over time it will help develop a closer bond between the child and parent. A hug is worth a thousand words and should work wonders in instilling that confidence to a child who is trying to make sense of his new surroundings. Above all else, what your adopted child needs is the comforting love and attention from you.
Emotional Connection
Another important way for you to bond with your adopted child is to conduct one-on-one conversations with him as frequently as possible. Pay close attention to the things that they want to relay to you. If they came from another country, try to get them to open up about what their life was like back home. This will help you understand your adopted child a little better. Never cut them off when they are trying to say something, but always put yurself in a position to receive all their valuable inputs no matter how nonsensical they may seem to you at the time.
Bonding With Boys
In trying to connect with a male child, you should be able to relate and/or participate in games and activities that boys usually do. Go outside and throw a ball around, work on a project together, and find out what his interests are. Be an active participant in his life and try to make him feel welcome to your fanily as best as you could. Once he sees your genuine interest in his well-being, he will start to open up even more as he becomes more and more comfortable with you around. West Ridge Academy is there to help you make this important connection and lend support.
Bonding With Girls
Connect with a female child by relating or participating in games and activities that girls do. For instance, mommy can take her out for shopping or do some groceries, or such other things that girls usually do. Engaging in some cooking lessons could provide some good bonding moments as well. It's also important that the father should show some level of interest in these kinds of activities as well, in order to be able to relate with the adopted child. This could be done by finding some fun things to do togther such as taking a trip to the nearest zoo, or going to the movies, or simply taking a stroll in the afternoon if you have the time. Girls typically need more attention than boys, so you must be sure to provide her that adequate level of attention and security in your company.
Addressing That Culture Gap
One tricky challenge in an adoption might be the cultural differences between parents and the adopted child. You may try and address this gap by engaging in some activities that will involve cultural aspects. For example, you can go and sample some of their native cuisine by going to a restaurant which serves such kind of food, or try to learn a little bit of their language, or celebrate some of the important holidays back in their native country. Or better yet, if you have extra funds to spare, you can try and schedule a trip back home to their native country and plan a comprehensive list of things to do while you're there. Try to hook up with other parents who are faced with the same situation that you are in. West Ridge Academy can assist you in coming up with ways and activities to help bridge this cultural gap between you and your adopted child.
Original Parents
If the adopted child ever expresses an interest in their real parents, you should work with the child so they can learn as much about their parents as possible. This could prove to be heavily emotional for the adopted child to you must make it a point to be there for your child for that much-needed emotional support. This is one way that the child will be able to heal.
Continuing Support
Make sure to provide that much-needed support to your adopted child as much as possible. Make them feel comfortable and secure in their new surroundings. If it's necessary, take a break from your busy schedule and devote some more time to your adopted child and shower him with the love and attention that he needs. The rewards will be well worth your effort over the long run. If your family is struggling with some adoption-related problems, you can try and contact West Ridge Academy in order to get that professional advice and support that your family needs.