Adopting a child into your family is exciting, scary, and emotional for both you, your adoptive child, and any other children you may have. So, how can you make it work?
As a new parent to an adopted child, making sure they integrate into your family will be top of your priority list. That said, it’s not always clear how best to achieve it.
Of course, speaking to your family law solicitors will help you get the ball rolling, but they won’t be able to provide you with the advice you need to start bonding as a family. So, perhaps you need some tips to help you through?
Never fear - in this post we’re going to share some advice on how to integrate your adoptive child into your family. This way, you can move on with your lives together as quickly as possible.
How to Integrate Your Adoptive Child into Your Family?
Luckily for you, you’re not the first person to adopt a child, and there are a plethora of tips out there from other parents who’ve been through it. To save you from having to scour the internet yourselves for this advice, we’ve collected the most common one’s for you.
1. Prepare your current children
For those parents who already have children, preparing them for the arrival of your adopted child is key. Let them know that the new child may be a little different to them, either culturally or because of past trauma, and that your parenting style might change slightly.
Explain to them that, at first, you’ll have to spend a bit of time integrating the adoptive child into the family. Then, once they’re settled, you’ll go back to giving them equal attention. It’s very important that your current children are ready to accept a new child in your home if you want the adoptive child to integrate well.
2. Prepare your home
Create a private space for the adopted child to call their own, as it will help them feel like they have an actual place to call their own. Find out what food they like before they arrive, and make sure you’re stocked up on it.
You can even buy them some toys you think they’ll like, or some new clothes. This way, they should feel like you’re welcoming them into the family the moment they arrive.