Do you remember going on holiday as a child? What is your favourite memory and where did you go and who with? Holiday memories are something that live long and we recall with great fondness and laughter as years go by.
Remember that leaky caravan in Wales, or the huge ice cream in Cornwall. Can you recall the first time you flew and where to – was it Spain and you were 10 years old?
For many children going on holiday is a new experience and as an adopter you get to build and shape those memories and see the delight on a child’s face as they see the sea for the first time, build a sandcastle, ride on a roller coaster or board an aircraft.
When can I take my adopted child away?
As your child is settling into your family, we would advise you had a significant period of time at home building your relationships together and helping your child to feel comfortable, safe and secure in his/her new home. The regular routines of daily life are important to help build a sense of predictability after so many changes. For this reason holidays may create a lot of anxiety and are best left until your child is feeling more secure in the family.
Permission will be needed from the Local Authority and in some cases parents and for that reason nothing should be booked until that permission is granted.
How can I prepare them?
We would think small with a holiday initially then build up gradually over time; think about a night’s stay at a friend or family members together and then a weekend away in a caravan or cottage; Lots of fun adventures to be had within the UK.
Surprises generally do not work well for children who have experienced loss, trauma and uncertainties in their life, so preparation is key. Let them know where you are going and when, where you’ll be staying and have some input into what you might do while there. Have a calendar that they can cross the days off on, involve them in buying new clothes and packing their suitcase and most of all let them get excited. Plan an activity to do on your return so that they know they are coming back with you and for younger children leave a teddy or special toy at home to show you will be returning.
When you get there
Do not be upset if they act as if they do not like it, it is probably just overwhelming for them. Take things slowly and try not to do too much all in one day. Remember lots of drinks and plenty of sun cream, that rule applies to all families. Take lots of photos, and try new things. Activities that may seem ordinary or unexciting to you may be the one thing your child has always dreamt of doing.
When you get home
Get your photos made into a photo book, something your child can treasure for ever. You may want to make a scrap book with them putting in mementoes of your trip, such as tickets, postcards, shells and other things they wish to keep.
Finally, be happy and proud that you have helped your child build memories, experience new things and whatever happens next carry those things are with them for the rest of their lives.
