Revision as of 18:36, 20 August 2014

Ages and Stages

Click on the blue subtitle on each subject to view.

Adoption Parenting: Newborn and Infant

Newborn and Infant

• Characteristics of newborns
• Important phases during infancy
• What to expect the first year

Adoption Parenting: Toddler

Toddler

• Characteristics and traits of toddlers
• Typical two-year-old behavior

Adoption Parenting: Preschool

Preschool Part 1

• Adoption and child development
• Communication about adoption

Preschool Part 2

• Communication about adoption continued
• Discipline considerations

Adoption Parenting: Grade School

Grade School Part 1

• The importance of understanding child development
• The impact of adoption

Grade School Part 2

• Effects of child maltreatment and trauma
• Communicating about adoption

Grade School Part 3

• Disciplining effectively
• Improving your child's school experience
• Advocating for adoption-sensitive assignments
• Seeking help for mental health concerns

Adoption Parenting: Preteen

Preteen

• A time of changes
• How to help your child transition through changes

Adoption Parenting: Teenage Years

Teenage Years Part 1

• The importance of understanding of teenage adoption
• The impact of adoption

Teenage Years Part 2

• Communicating with your teenager about adoption
• Helping your teenager communicate to others about adoption
• Disciplining effectively

Teenage Years Part 3

• Preparing your teenager for adulthood
• Seeking help for mental concerns

Adoption Parenting: Young Adults

Young Adults

• Postadoption Issues
• Openness, Searching, and Access to Family History
• Managing Adoption Issues
• Additional Resources

Questions Arise

Where Do I Come From? How Did I Get Here?

Most 3- to 6-year-olds do not yet understand the meaning of "being born." If they watch "Sesame Street" or "Mr. Rogers" on television, they may have learned something about how animals are born, and more recently, about how babies are born. They may then start to ask questions about this fascinating subject. Although parents traditionally are nervous about discussing the facts of life with young children, the children usually are curious, unembarrassed, and eager for information. This is a perfect opportunity to introduce the subject of where babies come from, how they get here, and how families are formed. Click here for more.

Why Was I Given Away?

Loss is a feeling that runs through the lives of children who have been adopted. It shows itself in different ways at different stages of their lives. But knowing that their birth parents made an adoption plan for them, and then not hearing a lot of information about the birth parents, often makes adopted children feel devalued and affects their self-esteem. Click here to read the rest.

Where Are My Biological Parents?

Current adoption practice has mixed opinions about whether, when, how, and with whose help, adoptees should look for more information about or try to initiate a reunion with birth parents. Click here to view more.

Who Am I? Where Am I Going?

The adolescent's primary task is to establish a secure sense of identity; the process is arduous, time-consuming, and intense. Establishing a stable identity includes being able to live and work on one's own, to maintain a comfortable position in one's family, and to become a contributing citizen in one's community. Click here to read more.

Visit Special Needs to find out more about physical, mental, and emotional disabilities.

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