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Originally Posted By JanK

Can anyone recommend books, websites or other sources of infomation that were helpful in rearing your newly-adopted (non-English speaking) toddlers ? The problem we're encountering is that everything I find on rearing 18mo-24mos, assume that the child is already verbal to some extent. For instance, information on discipline or potty training or play encourages that you EXPLAIN to the child what is happening and why. It assumes a child of that age will already comprehend at least a simple explanation. Our daughter is wonderful - she has been here for 6 weeks (Mahila Sevagram, Pune) and is doing so well, it's like she's always been w/us ! She is now 19mo and so far, neither we nor her doctors are able to detect obvious developmental delay. Therefore, we are more or less picking up at where an 18mo should be. The problem is - she doesn't understand much of anything we say. All we ever seem to say is No-No-No (she DOES understand that already). I would like to follow the tips for more positive, creative child-rearing but it's nearly impossible until she understands more of what we say. Right now communication with her is more like communicating w/ a 9mo even though she has the body and other skills of a 19mo. Can anyone help ?