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Adoption and Developmental Stages
Children's understanding of adoption differs at different ages. A parent's explanation of a child's adoption will need to be explained more fully as the child grows and learns. In this section, find resources to inform families how to sensitively provide guidance to children at different ages and developmental levels.
Parenting Your Adopted Preschooler | |
Series Title: | Factsheets for Families |
Author(s): | Child Welfare Information Gateway |
Availability: | View Download (PDF - 1,625KB) |
Year Published: | 2009 - 12 pages |
Children ages 3 to 5 are growing and changing rapidly, beginning to understand their place in their families and communities. Being adopted adds another layer of complexity to this process. This factsheet helps parents of preschoolers understand their children's developmental needs and how adoption-related experiences may impact development. It also provides practical strategies to support positive communication and effective discipline for adopted children. |
Parenting Your Adopted School-Age Child | |
Series Title: | Factsheets for Families |
Author(s): | Child Welfare Information Gateway. |
Availability: | View Download (PDF - 356KB) |
Year Published: | 2009 - 17 pages |
Adoption can add layers of complexity to the developmental tasks of school-age children--those between the ages of 6 and 12. This factsheet is designed to help adoptive parents understand and respond to their school-age child's developmental needs. It provides practical strategies to help them foster healthy development, including approaches for building attachment, talking honestly with the child about adoption, acknowledging his or her adoptive history, using appropriate discipline, and enhancing the child's school experience. |
Parenting Your Adopted Teenager | |
Series Title: | Factsheets for Families |
Author(s): | Child Welfare Information Gateway. |
Availability: | View Download (PDF - 325KB) |
Year Published: | 2009 - 14 pages |
During the teenage years, youth form an identity that is separate from their parents. Adoption adds complexity to the normal developmental tasks of teenagers, even for those who were adopted as newborns. This factsheet is designed to help the adoptive parent understand their teenager's needs so they can respond with strategies that foster healthy development. It presents tips for talking about adoption with their adopted teen, strategies for providing guidance, appropriate discipline, and opportunities to master adult tasks as he or she takes on greater independence. |
Infants
Welcome Home: A Guide to Bonding With Your Baby After Adoption
Adoptive Families Magazine, 2005
Explains how adoptive parents can enhance attachment with an infant during the first few months after adoption.
Preschoolers and elementary school
Book List: Preschool to Age 8
The Center for Adoption Support and Education
Lists age-appropriate books for adopted children.
Talking to Your Three- to Five-Year-Old About Adoption (PDF - 100 KB)
Adoptive Families Magazine (2003)
Provides tips for parents raising adopted 3- to 5-year-olds.
Talking to Your Six- to Eight-Year-Old About Adoption (PDF - 209 KB)
Adoptive Families Magazine
Provides tips for parents raising adopted 6- to 8-year-olds.
Adolescents
Adoption and Adolescence (PDF - 109 KB)
The Center for Adoption Support and Education (2002)
Discusses the two major tasks of personal growth for all teens, identity formation and separation, and the stresses and complexity adoption adds.
Beneath the Mask: Understanding Adopted Teens: Case Studies and Treatment Considerations for Therapists and Parents
Riley & Meeks (2005)
View Abstract
Explores the feelings and difficulties faced by adopted adolescents and offers suggestions for therapeutic intervention.
Book List: Children Ages 9-12
The Center for Adoption Support and Education
Lists age-appropriate books for adopted youth.
Forming a Sense of Self: Multiple Choices for Adopted People (PDF - 87 KB)
Eggleston (2001)
Describes the extra complications that most adopted adolescents face as they develop their identity and sense of self.
Information Packet: Adolescent Identity and the Impact on Adoptive Parents (PDF - 149 KB)
National Resource Center for Foster Care &Permanency Planning (2003)
Includes a list of organizations that provide information about adoption advocacy and public policy, practice tips for parents of teens who are struggling with adoption issues, and more.
Parenting Adopted Adolescents: Understanding and Appreciating Their Journeys
Keck (2009)
View Abstract
Explores the challenges parents face when raising adopted adolescents.
Young adults
Book List for Adopted Persons
The Center for Adoption Support and Education
Lists nonfiction books about adoption for adults.
When Adoptive Youth Turn 18
Riggs
Adoptalk, Summer 2009
Provides tips to help adoptive parents prepare for the future before their adoptive teens turn 18.
Young Adults Leaving Home: Special Issues When the Young Adults Are Adopted People
Badeau (2006)
Discusses the issues and challenges many adopted people face as they leave home, including coping with feelings associated with separation and loss. The article offers steps parents can take to ease the transition to greater independence.
Adoption: After adoption - Parenting resources for adoptive families: Talking about adoption
Adoption: After adoption - Parenting resources for adoptive families: Adoption and school
Adoption: After adoption - Parenting resources for adoptive families: Helping Adopted Children Cope With Grief and Loss