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Since we are wanting to adopt an older child from Ukraine, I was wondering if others who adopted older children had any real difficulties at first due to differences in language? How did you overcome those? I've heard that it usually takes about 6 months for the child to learn your language.
Elliott
[url=http://snapshotsfromourjourney.blogspot.com/]Snapshots From Our Journey[/url]
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Everything depends on the child. Sometimes there are no difficulties and other times it can be extremely challenging.
If you can, I would highly suggest learning some basics. I believe it helps provide an immediate connection when you first meet your child. It is so much more meaningful to be able to speak with them, very basically, in their language and not through a translator. I know there is no study out there at all, but I think this early communication helps with bonding and building healthy foundations for the family relationship.
There are lots of programs out there. Choose one that focuses on Russian for adoptive parents. You don't need to go crazy.
It was just a very touching moment when we could introduce ourselves to our son in his language. It was link no one was between us...rambling :)
Learning a language is also a great way to be productive while waiting!
Susan
my blog: [url=http://ukraineadoptionservices.blogspot.com/]Adoption Services International[/url]
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I adopted a six and half year old, though from Poland not Ukraine, but same issue. What we did was we learned some phrases and carried a cheat sheet. I found someone who could write it for me and she sent me a list of phrases. I also purchased some flash cards I found with pictures of everyday items and we used them to do a little game where I would teach him the English word and he would teach me the Polish word. We managed to communicate with a combination of English, Polish and charades. Plus sometimes he would grab the cards and show me what he wanted on the cards. (I did learn to say "show me" in Polish)