Tips for a Smooth Transition in the First Weeks Home

Last updated 1 year ago

Though adoption can greatly improve the lives of both adopted children and parents, no one can say that the transition is an easy process for every family and child. Here are a few tips for a making your adopted child’s first weeks in their new home as comfortable as possible.

Plan activities:
When an adopted child enters your home, do some things to make him or her feel like part of the family. Consider planning a few fun family events, game nights, movie nights, cooking together—whatever you can think of. Don’t overdo it, however—your child may need time to himself for reflection to let this lifestyle change sink in.
Be lenient:
Though you may have very specific ideas about parenting, it’s important that you relax a bit during your adopted child’s first weeks in your home. As your child gets used to this new home setting, there are bound to be a few behavioral issues—instead of coming down hard on your child, work with your child to find a solution, or contact your adoption agency or social worker to discuss strategies for helping you both adjust.
Listen to your child:
For an adopted child, the adoption process involves a lot of complex emotions. Your child will probably feel uneasy for quite a while and have an enormous number of questions. To help your child adjust, it’s important that you listen carefully to his concerns and answer his questions in great detail. In time, your adopted child will see that you are an adult they can depend on and that your home is a great place full of love and acceptance.

If you’re feeling apprehensive about the adoption process, contact WACAP today. Over the last 35 years, we’ve successfully placed over 10,000 children into loving homes across the U.S. Along the way, we’ve learned a lot about helping the adoption process go as smoothly as possible. Contact us today at (888) 440-8231 or wacap@wacap.org for more information.