“This is Hard” - Transitioning in the first 6 months

Adoption Day- It’s day one of the rest of your life. Many individuals previously called it “Gotcha Day,” but that term has fallen out of favor as it centers on the adults’ experience and can unintentionally minimize the child’s loss, grief, and lack of agency. Many adoptees and professionals now encourage language that honors both arrival and complexity. No matter what you call this important day, what happens in the following six months home is hard.

The first six months home after adoption is often filled with conflicting emotions. Excitement, joy, relief, fear, grief, and exhaustion can exist together. For children, those big emotions make sense because this period of transition is occurring across many parts of their world. It doesn’t mean that something is wrong when things feel harder than expected. It means a lot is happening all at once.

Children respond to transition in many different ways. Some cling tightly while others seem emotionally shut down or overly independent. Sleep struggles, food issues, big emotions, and/or regression are common. These responses are shaped by a child’s unique life experiences. Everyday things, like baths or unfamiliar routines, can feel overwhelming when a child’s nervous system is still learning safety. What is happening beneath the surface is the slow process of attachment formation.

Patterns often emerge as families begin to settle into daily life together. This is when questions about behavior, development, or health begin to surface. Many adopted children come home with limited medical histories or early experiences that can affect growth, sensory processing, and regulation. Developmental delays are common and expected. These physical and developmental factors are closely connected to emotional regulation. This is why behavior is often the first signal parents see when a child is struggling.

This season can carry an emotional weight for parents in ways they may not anticipate. Parenting a child whose needs are complex and layered often requires learning new approaches. Supporting attachment may look different than traditional parenting and often means slowing down, adjusting expectations, and prioritizing felt safety over immediate behavior change. Families have an opportunity to thrive when connection leads.

The first six months home is not about getting everything right or rushing attachment. It is a period of transition as parents learn what their child needs to feel safe and begin to connect. Families can feel more grounded as attachment continues to form with appropriate follow-up and guidance.

If you would like more specific information or support for your journey, please give us a call at 205-326-7553 to schedule an appointment.