"orphanage behaviors"

Great thread! I was absolutely not prepared not to snuggle with my little one constantly. I've talked to several friends, and same experiences. My daughter was 1 when we brought her home. She had to learn how to hug (even though we observed her caregivers doing it often in the orphanage.) At first, I thought she just wasn't a snuggly baby. She'd give a quick snuggle, and be off. When she had her first bout with the flu (fever, etc.), she laid in my arms constantly, and I cuddled her. She didn't have the strength or desire to move, and learned that cuddling was comforting. My pediatrician said this is normal behavior for institutionalized kids. When they are ill, they are given meds perhaps, but not hours of TLC with touching. She now comes to us regularly initiating hugs, kisses, and snuggles more as a toddler. Hope this helps....one thing I wish I'd known. Andrea