Everbody Deserves a Secure Base

Everybody in this world deserves a secure base. This is a person/people that you can depend on to meet your needs. This is an environment that you can go to, to feel safe. At the end of the day, we all want to come home to the people that we love & the comfort of our home. That is the foundation of attachment.

For the children who have suffered the loss of their parents (through abandonment, relinquishment, or death), their individual needs may look very different depending on the age at which the loss occurred, their developmental level, & environmental factors. In their very young lives, they have already gone through what most adults can't even fathom. They may not know it, but they need a secure base more than most. However, it will now take more patience & understanding to figure out where their mindset is, what their needs are, & the best approach to meeting those needs.

Valentine Vows

On this "special" day, wouldn't it be nice to vow to find out what's inside the hearts & minds of those we love?!  Taking the time, having the patience, & looking beyond our own needs, can change our families in the most positive of ways.  Although the path along the way may be painful at times, the journey will bring your family that much closer.  The understanding that you unfold will be the stepping stones to joyful days ahead.

New Semester, New Behaviors ...

It may seem pretty easy for most of us, but moving into a new semester may mean seeing some new behaviors from your adoptive child. All of the changes, possibly a new teacher, a new classroom, a new class, & new materials create that sense of being out of control. So many new things & such little control. Be patient & help walk your child through all of the newness, including a plan for what is in their control. Good Luck!

Children Need Time ...

In this fast-paced world in which we live, we need to take the time to slow down for our children. Children don't need more toys or more technology.  Children need more time with their parents.  It isn't the amount of money that you spend, or what it is that you do while together.  It's all about taking a little time out of a fast-paced day, just to be together.  Time together goes a long way with children!

Taking Things For Granted

Summer is in full swing & I'm sure that many of us would assume that ALL children like to play in the water, feel the grass on their toes, or the sand on their feet.  Those of you that recently adopted children from an orphanage may be realizing that this may not be the case.  Some children have never had this experience in their lives & may need a little time to enjoy some of the summer pleasures that we take for granted.  Life will be easier for all if you give them time.

Parental Guidance

Children are never too old for parental guidance.  The key is in the presentation.  Children need to feel like they have a voice in their decisions.  Give & take in the conversation is a good way to promote healthy guidance.

Priorities

At the end of the day ... is it more important to meet the needs of your child(ren)?  Or, concern ourselves with how our actions will be viewed by others?  It's important to set priorities when raising children ... priorities that encompass what we want our children to know are the most important aspects of life.