Adoptions sound great. But the whole process of nurturing a baby to a toddler, to a grown-up person is a complicated process. Developmental stages of an adopted child navigate through a number of phases. These although similar in the basic premise, can be subtly or majorly different in the case of adopted children.
Let’s talk about the five developmental stages of an adopted child that parents witness and get through.
- Less than 1 Year
In adopting an
infant, the process of bonding with the child and the need to help it cope is
minimum. But not negligible. Even though a baby might not feel more complicated
things, but it does face change. It is most likely to reflect its mood and
preliminary health initially. Although nothing to be concerned of, an adopted
baby may have messed up sleep cycles. Bladder problems, persistent crying
or bowel disturbances can creep into the change in environment. They do
understand smell, touch or the primitive familiarity with his mother that made
them grow safe and comfortable in the first place. A drastic change in this
ambiance is bound to bother them for a while, but they soon recover.
- 1 –
2 Years
This is a phase where your young ones become excruciatingly inquisitive about
every other thing. You end up using the word ‘No’ as a response to most of
their actions. Under such circumstances, it can be annoying and frustrating for
a child. This can lead them demonstrating a number of traits like crying,
shouting, biting or just throw random temper tantrums. While most adoptive
people tend to overlook it thinking it is the adoption working up, it is most
likely not. It is normal for your biological kids and same goes for your
adopted kids too. All you need to remember as a parent is that children are
different. They will take their own time in developing and mastering
certain behavioral skills.
- 2 –
6 Years
Once they have learnt
the language and know how to talk, this phase is going to be really tough for
you with them having unending curiosity and questions. During this age, kids
tend to drift away to a magical world of their fantasy. They try to
understand the functioning of the world around them. Always encourage questions
and always answer them – this is very important. Parents should remember
adopted kids tend to cope with time and again with their identity and the
possible reason for having to be adopted thus eventually, unconsciously deeming
themselves as an unworthy person. Never let that happen! It is normal for them
to ask and ensure that you patiently address all their queries. If you keep the
discussions open and transparent, the kid will learn to communicate properly
irrespective of how grave a problem he is in.
- 6 –
11 Years
This is the time
when the kids might face pangs of separation anxiety and grow a feeling of
abandonment. As a parent, be loving, caring and giving.
- Adolescence
Adolescent children
tend to contemplate more about their life and question their existence. Parents
have to be patient and enduring during this phase as along with physical and
hormonal changes, the child goes through an emotional turbulence. A step-by-step
information and knowledge surrounding his adoption and satisfactory answers to
the child’s questions can help you navigate through easily.
Attachment problems and health issues can crop up
in any stage. Keeping in mind, the very definition of adoption, you can ease
out developmental stages of adopted children.