I do not have any adopted children, though I have considered it many times. Being a parent is difficult, and adoptive children come with their own set of challenges. One of the main challenges with adopting is forming deep attachments initially. Often, you miss out on months (or years) of baby bonding time, and you have to work really hard to form that parent/child connection. Some children come from neglectful or abusive backgrounds, and they can be even more difficult to work with. For tips on how to build a stronger attachment with your child (adopted OR biological), read this post by JoAnn Solchany, PhD. At Baby Center:
-Be predictable. Be there for your child. Respond to his cries, yells, and calls either physically or verbally within 15 seconds.
-Be empathetic and sensitive. Ask yourself, “What might my child be thinking right now?”
-Don’t take your child’s behaviors (expressions of fear, anger, frustration, terror, and other difficult feelings) personally. Your child’s ability to express emotion is not yet fully developed.
-Never let her feet touch the floor! Hold her, touch her, and wear her. You cannot hold them or spoil them enough!