Attachment Therapist Gives Tips

Just came back from our monthly adoption group meeting. I continue to learn so much. Here are some tips the therapist shared with us.

*Always be the primary caregiver to your baby (feed, bath, play, etc.)

*Keep stimulation at a minimum when the baby first arrives home.

*Always talk about your child's adoption freely with her. Allow your child to grieve about her loss. Acknowledge her grief.

*Do not pass your baby around amongst family members or friends for the first few months that the baby is home. This will help the baby recognize who is her primary caregiver which will allow for a healthier bonding and attachment.

*Establish good eye contact with your baby and make sure that the baby sees you/hears you at all times unless she is sleeping.

*Don't try to wake your baby up from night terrors (not the same as nightmares).

*Allow your child to emotionallly regress so that she may become more dependent on you. This is a very important part of bonding and attachment with adopted children.

*Set up a routine with your child and consistently follow that routine.

*Lastly, do not take any advice from parents that have biological children. Raising biological children is VERY DIFFERENT from raising adopted children.