[jenlars3]

In working toward the eventual goal of an adoption from Liberia, I am wondering what adjustment issues children from Liberia have had, in transitioning to life in the US. Any stories?

[najia274]

Hi there! Most Liberian children seem to transition well. They definitely suffer from culture shock, as do most internationally adopted children, but quickly "catch on". Food can be a delicate thing initially. Most kids have lived of rice staples. Cook lots of rice...you can't go wrong there. Also, spinach is similar to casava leaves which is a common veggie in Liberia. (Steamed and wilted.)

[jenlars3]

Thanks! I also heard that calcium-fortified juice is good, as many African children are lactose intolerant. This ensures that they get adequate calcium.

[adoptionmommy]

As an adoptive mom of two kids from Liberia, I can tell you that the transition was much easier than I had feared. The kids were not used to light switches, flushing toilets, etc. They were intrigued by those kinds of things. It took them no time to adjust to those things.

Foods, I introduced slowly. They quickly fell in love with french fries (yuck!). I am careful about milk still.

In terms of adjustment socially, that was not a problem either. Kids in Liberia tend to live in family like orphanages where the kids are not separated by age, they take care of each other. Older kids carry the little kids around, etc. So, these kids do not have problems like RAD.

Hope this helps,

Jessica

[jenlars3]

How about transitioning toward school? I am very impressed with the local public school system (believe it or not!) and my 12 year old bio-son has just blossomed since we moved to this district. I understand that education is highly valued in the Liberian culture, so I am hoping that a child could catch up to his/her age group fairly quickly, with some assistance from the school. Any suggestions?

[jenlars3]

Originally Posted by adoptionmommy

They quickly fell in love with french fries (yuck!).

And who doesn't love french fries?

[adoptionmommy]

French Fries?! How Americanized can you get in such a short time?!

School ---- Kids in Liberia get a very inferior education even if they go to expensive private schools.

However, from what I can tell you is that Liberian kids are very smart and the parents I know who adopted school age kids, the kids caught up pretty fast.

Keep us updated on your adoption adventure.

Jessica