Holiday time

Survival at school

Starting school can be a daunting time for any child. For children who have been adopted there can be many additional layers of complexity. Here are some resources that our Family Practitioners frequently use with families.

Free family breaks and activities

Give yourself a breather and time and space to look after your own wellbeing. Adopt South West parents recommend several free short breaks and activities for 2024.

Contacting us and out of hours support

Refer to our office opening hours over the Christmas and New Year period.

Navigating Christmas – top tips from an adoptive parent

Top tips from an adoptive parent who navigated last Christmas… but only just!

Helpful resources to help navigate the holidays and festivities

Parents and Adopt South West team members share resources to navigate the festive season.

Tip for families for the holidays

Lots of adopted children find the heightened excitement and the change in routine to cause extreme stress and anxiety, which can show itself as difficult behaviour. Here are some tips from us to make Christmas easier.

Free Theraplay advent calendar

There is no right or wrong way to do these activities; just enjoy! Activities can be printed, cut up and tucked into an advent calendar that has little boxes or pockets. Or you can put them in a jar and have a daily ‘lucky dip’.

Christmas planning ideas

We share some great ideas here for planning Christmas and making memories; including making a Christmas book of photos to have a visual record of Christmas past; not having a Christmas meal on the day; taking your time focusing on you and the family; keeping things in routine.