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Consider Adopting a Child with Albinism
Meeting your adoptive child for the first time might be a magical moment, but it also could be traumatic or disappointing for either or both you and your child. Adoptive parents look forward to this day with intense anticipation, but this anticipation may lead to unrealistic expectations. You are excited, nervous and scared. Remember, your child is also feeling an intense mixture of emotions. Don’t expect this moment to be love at first sight. How your child responds to you at your initial meeting will be determined by many factors, including, but not limited to, the age of the child, his or her individual personality type, the child’s social history, level of trauma experienced, what type of care your child has been provided, such as institutionalized care versus foster care, and even if your child is simply tired or hungry.
Here are some points to help you prepare and to help your child and you navigate this moment and transition more easily:
Young babies and children ages 4 to 7 typically have an easier time at initial meetings than do toddlers. A toddler is old enough to understand their world is changing and that you are a stranger but not yet old enough to have these changes explained to him or her.
Remember that your child is being introduced to new adults in their lives and that you may look different, smell different, talk different and even feel different. It is most important to keep expectations low on how well this moment goes and not to take anything personally! How quickly a child bonds and attaches to you and you to them will be different for each child. It is more important to work on bonding and attachment first and rules and discipline later. How this day unfolds will eventually become a day of sentimental remembrance. Embrace the day and be prepared for anything!
Photo Credit: Steven Depolo
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