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How to Celebrate the Holidays With an Open Adoption
The holidays are here, and new adopting parents are working to understand their open adoption process and seeking ways to make their kids comfortable. Keep reading to learn how to make the most out of this season for both you and your child.
Communicate What Works Best For The Child
Communication between adoptive parents and birth families should always be open during times when the child is going to be with their adoptive parents. Keeping your child in the know as much as possible about who their new family is and how their holiday will be spent is the best way to make sure your child adapts to their new family easily. This includes extended family members they may have never met before.
Continuing Old Traditions
You may also want to talk to your child about any holiday traditions they had that they’d like to continue in their new home. Talking about these festivities before the season begins can help you plan accordingly and make your little one feel welcome.
Give a Gift
Ask your child if they would like a gift or are accustomed to gift-giving during the holidays. Being prepared in situations where the child is used to receiving gifts will provide a sense of normalcy.
The birth family of your child will be your biggest asset because they answer questions you may have about their likes and dislikes. If possible, they will let you know what toys your child likes, favorite hobbies, favorite books to read, etc. All of these things can be considered when picking out a nice gift.
What if My Child Doesn’t Want a Gift?
On the other hand, be ready to also adopt new traditions with your child in case they do not want gifts for any reason. Be sure you know what the birth family’s holiday gift-giving traditions are like and try to adapt that into your own family’s traditions.
Plan Visits
If you’re a birth parent, be sure to plan when you can visit your child as well as how you will spend that time together.
As an adoptive parent, take into consideration whether you will spend quality time with them at home or take them somewhere else. This can help you develop your own new traditions and keep down confusion and avoid disappointment.
Open Adoption Attorneys in Honolulu
We hope you have a happy holiday season. If you are ready to start an open adoption, or are already in the process, our seasoned lawyers are ready to help! Call us today at (808) 201-3898 for more information about the adoption process.