23 Jun 4 Tips for Bonding With Your Adopted Child
If you have adopted a child, you know that the process of bonding with them can be challenging. It’s not always easy to form a connection with a child who is new to your family, and you may feel like you are struggling alone. Don’t worry – you are not alone! In this blog post, our Mekis Law team will be sharing 4 tips for bonding with your adopted child. With patience and effort, you will be able to create a strong bond with your little one.
Spending Quality Time With Your Child
The first tip is to spend time with your child. This may seem obvious, but it is important to make an effort to really be present when you are with your child. Play with them, talk to them, and listen to them. Get to know them as a person, and let them get to know you. It takes time for trust to develop, so don’t expect things to happen overnight.
We understand that with life, schedules can be busy, however dedicating quality time to your new family member will be crucial for your relationship, especially in the early stages. Just like any new relationship, this early stage takes nurturing for trust to be built.
A few ideas of what you can spend quality time with your child could be the following:
- Go to the park
- Use your imagination and play pretend around the house or outside
- Play a board game as a family
Creating Routines Together
Another tip is to create routines and rituals together. This can help your child feel secure and loved. Whether it’s reading a bedtime story every night or having family dinners together, small rituals can go a long way in making your child feel like they belong in the family.
These routines can differ based on the age of your child. If they are a baby, try to create structure in their routines as best as possible. Like feeding at certain times, napping at certain times, playing at certain times. But also, bring them into your scheduled routines, so that they feel like they are apart.
If your child is between the ages of 5-10 years old, have fun with your family dinners. Let them choose what you guys should eat once a week, and let them help you prepare the meal for everyone. This will definitely allow them to feel like they are a part of the family.
With an adopted child that is a teen, try implementing certain days and times of the week for studying, sleeping, and extracurricular activities. This encourages the child to get involved and understand what their passions/hobbies are.
It’s also important to be patient when bonding with your adopted child. They may not respond to you the way you expect, and that’s okay. Don’t take it personally if they seem distant or uninterested at first – just keep trying, and eventually they will warm up to you. Understand that this is a big adjustment for them, just as it is for you. New relationships take time.
Love and Attention
Finally, remember to give your child plenty of love and attention. They need to know that they are loved, and physical affection is a great way to show this. Hugs, kisses, and cuddles can go a long way in making your adopted child feel comfortable and loved.
If your child is a newborn, rocking them to sleep is a great way to practice this. If your child is between the ages of 5-10 years old, tucking them in at night is great for practicing this. Lastly, if your child is in their teenage years, giving them a hug when they leave for school and when they get home after a long day, can go a long way.
Bonding with an adopted child can be a challenge, but it is so worth it when you finally form that connection. With time, patience, and effort, you will be able to create a strong and loving bond with your child.
If you are thinking of adopting a child, the Mekis Law team would love to help navigate what steps you need to take next. There can be a lot of in’s and out’s to adopting, and it’s helpful to have someone on your team to help. Give our office a call to learn more (615) 653-4540.