Education serves as the stepping stone to greater knowledge for any child, introducing new ideas and finding things that will pique their interest and bring them joy. It helps them grow as a person and mature into a responsible adult, both smart and hardworking.
However, the story is not the same for every child, and especially for adopted children, learning and going to school is challenging to adapt. In fact, studies show that adopted children are more likely to struggle in school, and depending on their situation, the severity could be much worse.
This issue makes it even harder for the adoptive parents. While they’ve given their child a happy and loving home, there will be difficulties along the way that must be faced.
Adopted Children Had A Rough Start
The root of these issues come from their circumstances and understanding that most adopted children had a rough start to life. Some were placed up for adoption at birth due to surprise pregnancies, while others come from abusive homes. And these difficult circumstances place significant emotional and psychological stress on them at an early age.
As adoptive parents, you must always keep this in mind to not forget that your child might have trouble adapting to change. This should also serve as a reminder that you need to be compassionate in everything you do for them, and that it is your responsibility to help them overcome their problems.
With that said, here are some general practices that will help you address and work through struggles in your adoptive child’s education:
#1 Create a Safe and Friendly Environment
First on your list is to create a safe and friendly environment for your child, one that will foster acceptance, growth, and make them feel happy. An environment that won’t make them feel left out or different, but one that makes them feel normal and forget their worries.
While it sounds like a resounding and obvious answer, parents often limit this idea of a safe space to the home. When in fact, this should also extend to the immediate community and especially at school as well:
- Listen to Their Needs: Always listen to your child’s needs, observe and take note of things they naturally struggle with and guide them. Never forget to communicate and be part of the entire learning process to help instill confidence in them. We’re not telling you to pamper them, but understand that adoptive children need extra love and attention to cope with any emotional baggage they’re carrying.
- Let the School Know: The school and teachers should be informed of your child’s situation to adapt their approach of teaching accordingly. This will help them be more careful with sensitive topics and prevent any unnecessary assumptions due to being uninformed. The school acts as a second home, so you’ll want them to feel safe there too.
#2 Work on Their Social Skills
Next up is working on their social skills; since adoptive children tend to find it harder to trust people and make new friends, you’ll have to step in and help. This can vary from person to person, but because of the things that adoptive children have been trough, opening up and meeting new people can be very challenging. While breaking out of the shell is something everyone needs to do; lending a helping hand won’t hurt:
- Encourage Them: As the person they’re closest to and most comfortable with, it is your duty and responsibility as a parent to encourage them. Sometimes all they need is a little push and reassurance that everything will be fine and that whatever happens, they’ll always have you to count on. Don’t overdo it, though, because forcing them to do something they’re not okay with will only resurface unwanted trauma.
- Find Groups: There’s a limit to what a parent is capable of doing, and when it comes to helping your adoptive child with their social skills finding a group will immensely aid in your goal. Search through your community and see if you can find social skill groups to help your child practice with other kids his age.
#3 Support For Your Child’s Educational Needs
Lastly, don’t forget to secure support for your child’s educational needs to help with any challenges that might arise in the future. Get in contact with an adoption professional and adoption attorneys that can help you clarify and discover what kinds of financial aid you are eligible for that is provided by the state.
From monthly subsidies to free college, the extra financial assistance will be much appreciated on your part and help you focus more of your budget into things that will help your adoptive child’s growth and education.
Always Show Your Love
Adoptive families are bound to face challenges, and education is but one of the aspects where your child might struggle. But regardless of what the future holds, always show your love and face them together as a family.
