5 Ways to Help Guide Adoptive Children Through the Holidays
The holidays are a time filled with anticipation, but for foster or adoptive children, this season can bring both joy and uncertainty. At RISE Services, Inc. Idaho, we offer post-adoption services and resources for families. This includes helping children and their families feel safe, supported, and included during this time of year. We’ve seen firsthand that when adoptive families take steps to meet children where they are, they can help make the holidays a more positive experience for everyone.
Tips to Help Adopted Children Feel Safe and Supported
For adopted children, holiday traditions may be unfamiliar, and gatherings might mean meeting new people or confronting memories of past holidays. Children may have mixed feelings ranging from excitement to sadness or confusion. Recognizing and validating these emotions is a key part of creating a sense of security. But how else can you help create a safe space for your child?
1. Prepare Together
Before holiday gatherings or outings, talk with children about what to expect. Share details about who will be there, activities planned, and how long events might last. For some kids, visual schedules or social stories can help prepare for new experiences.
2. Keep Routines Consistent
Whenever possible, maintain familiar routines, such as regular sleep, meals, and quiet times, throughout the holidays. Consistent routines can provide a sense of stability, which is especially important for children who might feel uncertain during schedule changes.
3. Offer Choices
Empowering children by letting them make small choices, like choosing which outfit to wear or helping with holiday preparations, can build confidence. This sense of agency can help foster or adoptive children feel respected and involved.
4. Embrace All Emotions
Reassure children that a mix of feelings is normal. Encourage open conversations about what they are experiencing and let them know it’s okay to feel happy, sad, or even both at the same time. Model healthy emotional expression by sharing your own feelings in age-appropriate ways.
5. Create New Traditions
Work with children to create new holiday traditions. These could be as simple as making holiday cards, baking treats, or reading special stories together. Creating shared traditions can help everyone feel more connected and included.
Contact RISE Idaho
The holidays are just one moment in your child’s journey, and RISE Idaho is here for every step. To learn more about our mission and year-round support for individuals with IDD, contact RISE Idaho today!
