Trauma
Self-Soothing
Self-soothing behaviors in children and adolescents from hard places can be confusing and the range of parental responses to such behaviors can be vast. Some families look at this behavior
Food Anxiety
FOOD ANXIETY Most of us eat at least three meals a day but if you are like me, there are multiple snacks in between. That’s a lot of time spent
Touch
Touch plays a very important part of developing attachment and bringing healing to our children who have experienced less than optimum beginnings. It was discovered in the early 19th century
Sleep
SLEEP Sleepless in Seattle? Birmingham? Charleston? San Antonio? Sleep disturbances are one of the most common challenges for a child transitioning to a new home. Causes for sleep disturbances can
Playing to Connect and Heal
When I ask families how they are adjusting at home with their new child, they will often state, almost as an apology, “All we do is play; we are just
10 Practical Ways to Help Your Child Heal
When children come into our care from hard places, whether as a newborn or an older child, they have experienced trauma. Our privilege as a parent is to walk with
Trauma in the Classroom
What is the difference between willful defiance and a trauma reaction? Children who have experienced relational or circumstantial trauma can express themselves in ways that are typically regarded as defiant
Stranger Anxiety in Adoption
The process of development of stranger anxiety will occur over time and at different stages. Think of newborn babies who do not have any fear of people; over time they
Food/Eating Issues
Children may come to our homes with many challenges surrounding food. Children may have spent time wondering when they would get to eat their next meal or may have fought
Recommended Medical Tests Once A Child Comes Home
The following medical tests are recommended for your child upon arrival in the U.S. after an international adoption. The completion of these tests is not required by Lifeline, but for