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.

Teen Years

Teen Years are difficult for all teens ... trying to figure out who they are & how thye fit in.  Add to those challenges, a history of losses.  The list of thoughts/questions an adopted teen has have just increased tenfold.  Trace their steps back & create a list of thoughts/questions that you might have if you were in their shoes ...  This will help to increase understanding of what they are going through.

Children Need a LifeBook

All children could benefit from a LifeBook.  However, for adoptive children it really helps to put the puzzle pieces of their life together for them.  What is a LifeBook?  It is anything you want it to be ... a photo album, scrapbook, etc.  It should include copies of important adoptive paperwork, earliest photos, pics of the caregiver handing you your child, pics of the orphanage & possible friends, your earliest meetings & beyond.  It's never too late to create a LifeBook.  I would encourage doing it together; great attachment activity.

I Don't Know

Did you ever get really angry when your child said "I don't know".  As adults, we often assume that of course, they know.  They're just trying to aggravate us with purpose.  Usually, they don't really know.  They don't have the logic of an adult, can't process like we do, & haven't had the life experience to pull from that we have as adults.

Approaching Easter/Spring Break

As this season is upon us, be sure to prep your children for all of the change in routine.  I know that oftentimes we think that it's best to wait until that last minute to tell them, to avoid a meltdown.  This approach actually creates anxiety, resulting in negative behaviors.

Attachment & Early Months of Adoption

I will be presenting on attachment & the beginnings as a new adoptive family.  The webinar will be held on Monday April 4th at 1:00 est.  Click on the link that follows for further info & to register.

Registration is here: https://chlss.org/event/attachment-and-bonding-webinar-your-first-months-together/.

Pressures of Parenthood

In our everchanging world, the pressures of parenthood are at an all time high.  Being pulled in every direction ... work, school activities, outside school activities, possibly various therapy sessions, marriage, chores, worries about our children at school, on the internet, driving ... Sometimes we need to take a break from the pressure & just take time to enjoy ourselves & our children.