TODAY IS NATIONAL ADOPTION DAY

The Saturday before Thanksgiving was  officially designated as National Adoption Day 14 years ago, to raise awareness of the more than 100,000 foster children waiting to be adopted into their forever families.
Not only does National Adoption Day raise awareness, but its a day when families and courts come together to finalize adoptions for thousands of kids from foster care.
Congratulations to all the families celebrating today and to every family experiencing the delight of adoption.
For more information on National Adoption Day go to: http://www.nationaladoptionday.org/

SIX STEPS TO A HAPPY HOLIDAY

They’re Back!!  The Holidays are here and that means family, fun and sometimes: feuds. When it comes to the holidays— expectations run high and everyone wants to have quality time with the kids. That’s how it should be, but to make your youngsters’ holidays everything you and they dream they should be— follow these six steps:

                1). Manage expectations- Often our fantasies don’t live up to reality, but letting go of the notion of a perfect holiday allows you to enjoy the actual holiday you’re having.

                2). Keep your children in the traditions they’re accustomed to. It’s tempting to want to take your kids across country to visit relatives, but having a holiday where they feel familiar, safe and secure is paramount.

                3). Familiar doesn’t mean monotonous. Invite your far away relatives to visit you. Keep the old traditions but sprinkle in a few new ones too. —With adopted children, when appropriate, try an maintain a relationship with the birth family and include them in the festivities.  If your child is adopted from another culture, incorporate holiday customs from that culture.

                4). Understand that there will be mixed emotions, especially for older children, so acknowledge your kid’s feelings and build trust so that they can be open with you.

                5). If you’ re co-parenting make sure you have a plan in place that allows the kids to see both parents, always remember your children have a different relationship with your ex than you do.

                6). Most importantly, always make what your children need a priority over what you want.

Summer Water Safety

As summer gets into full swing, it is extremely important to teach your children about water safety. More children die in Florida from drowning than in any other state. Don't assume that your child understands danger. There are classes to protect all ages of children from infant to toddler and beyond.
Here are some links to consider:

YMCA Safe Start
http://ymcacentralflorida.com/activity-schedule-search/aquatics-activities/

Pool Safety
http://www.floridahealth.gov/alternatesites/waterprooffl/

Drowning Prevention
http://www.wfla.com/story/25495210/time-for-drowning-prevention-awareness-reminder

Stay Safe This Halloween

This Halloween be sure to help your little goblin to stay safe.

• Make sure to buy costumes that fit and are flame retardant
• Make sure that all costume accessories are soft and can't cause bodily harm
• Give your goblin reflective costumes or a flash light to carry while trick or treating
• Only go to homes where you know the residents giving candy
• Inspect all treats before allowing your child to eat the treats
• Make sure to obey all traffic laws if driving during Halloween
• Stay with your child while they are trick or treating

Marital Property and Equitable Distribution

    What is Marital Property? Marital Property is all income, property, and possessions acquired during the span of a marriage. Upon the dissolution of marriage, marital property will be divided among spouses.  Property acquired before the marriage, will remain as non-marital property at the time of the divorce unless it has been co-mingled during the marriage.

     Florida distributes all property in a divorce through equitable distribution. This means that all marital property will be dispersed evenly between the two spouses at the time of their divorce. Florida State Statute adheres to this principle, unless justification can be provided to permit an unequal distribution judgment. Factors that may contribute in determining asset distribution:

•          Length of marriage
•           Financial circumstances of each spouse
•           The contributions to marital assets made by each spouse during the marriage
•           Any other relevant factors in determining appropriate distribution

This list may not be inclusive based on individual circumstances.

November is National Adoption Month

            National Adoption Month raises awareness for children in the foster care system, awaiting placement within a permanent, loving, and stable home.  National Adoption Month has increased recruitment efforts for foster parents and permanent adoption through meeting events, adoption learning sessions, and adoption celebrations nationwide. These efforts have resulted in thousands of children being adopted in the United States and around the world over the past 22 years since the creation of National Adoption Month.

            Regardless of whether the adoption occurs from the foster care system or from a private source, adoption is key in providing many children with an opportunity to be part of a functioning, loving family.

National Adoption Day is Wednesday, November 21, 2012. This year’s theme is Adoption in the Digital Age. For more information on adoption, events in your area, and to help celebrate adoption, visit the National Adoption Month website at: http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/nam/

REACTIVE ATTACHMENT DISORDER

Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) is defined as a condition found in children who have been significantly neglected and unable to form an emotional connection with their caregivers. When a child is born, an emotional bond is created between child and parent when the child is held, fed, nurtured, and loved. It is at this time the child becomes attached emotionally and learns to trust the parent. When an infant is neglected of these basic comforts and affection, it can cause problems with their emotional stability in the future. Neglected, abused, and orphaned children most commonly have a higher risk of developing RAD.

Symptoms of RAD in Infants & Children:

•        Detached
•        Unresponsive to comfort
•        Calm when left alone
•        Engages in self-soothing behavior
•        Displays controlling behavior
•        Aggressive towards other toddlers

This list is not inclusive based upon your individual circumstances.

Effects of RAD in Adulthood:

•        Low self-esteem
•         Depression
•         Anxiety
•         Promiscuous
•         Frequent job changes

This list is not inclusive based upon your individual circumstances.

While a child will suffer with RAD indefinitely, there are treatment options to help manage the symptoms and stabilize the disorder. Some treatments may include medication and/or play therapy for the child and educating the parent on skills to improve the relationship and help develop the attachment needed. If you think your child has RAD you should seek advice from a medical professional. In most cases you will need to consult with a RAD specialist or a mental health psychiatrist.