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.

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.