River View Christian Academy understands that parents want to send a young girl to a safe, monitored environment where she receives personal care, and individual support that help heal emotional and mental issues–whether brought on by trauma, foster care, adoption or family genetics.
Please look over this article to learn about issues that young teen girls may be struggling with because of adoption. We’re here to help! 1-800-494-2200
How Adoption Can Influence Teen Development
Parents of teenagers often face challenges connecting with their children during the adolescent years. And parents of adopted children especially need to be aware of additional factors that influence the teen’s development. Whether parents adopted the child as a newborn, or after the child moved from foster home to foster home, adoption experiences can interfere with a teen’s normal development.
“Adolescence is a time of significant brain development, as well as social and emotional development in the formation of identity and independence—both of which may be affected by adoption and/or early childhood trauma.” 1
“Teenagers experience gradual changes in the section of the brain (prefrontal cortex) that manages their abilities to reason, control impulses, limit inappropriate behaviors, and make good judgments. This development is not complete until the mid-twenties. In addition, the parts of the brain that involve critical thinking, understanding social cues, and empathizing with others (relating to other people’s perspectives and showing compassion) are also developing.” 1
“Chemical changes in the teenage brain (shifting levels of dopamine) encourage youth to seek risks and new challenges. This occurs at a time when the youth’s brain is less effective at thinking through consequences and controlling impulses. As such, teens need guidance from adults, opportunities for healthy risk-taking activities, and chances to learn from experience” 1
Parents of an adopted child may not recognize the difference between their natural born teen, and an adopted teen’s mental development. Because a teen’s brain changes quickly, and all teens struggle to find personal identity and independence during this period of life, parents may also struggle to know what’s normal, and what’s not.
Adopted children that experienced previous neglect or abuse often need extra time and practice grow into independence, and learn life skills for success in the future.
Depression, anxiety, or relationship problems might indicate a response to trauma experienced before adoption, while in the care of their natural parents, or in foster care. Research tells us that the brain can be “rewired” and that ongoing relationships with supportive, caring adults can be powerful forces in helping the brain readjust (Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative, 2011). 1
But if your adopted teen experiences extreme moods or emotions, or depression, anger, anxiety, or withdraws from relationships with family, friends or peers, he or she may need professional help.
As parents of an adopted teen search for counselors or out-patient treatment options nearby, they may also look into therapeutic boarding school programs that understand and know how to treat adoption and trauma-related issues in teens. And it’s important to find the best help for your troubled teen now, and start the healing process as their brain continues to develop.
River View Christian Academy Wants to Help!
River View is a private boarding school on 45 beautiful acres located near Austin, Texas. Our purpose is to provide a safe, structured, and supportive setting for our teen girl students 13-17 years old. River View offers teen girls their best opportunity to focus on education, avoid negative distractions and improve their thoughts and behavior for good.
As a non-therapeutic boarding school, River View Christian Academy helps struggling teen girls embrace a healthy outlook on life and teaches them how to make good personal choices. At the same time we connect parents and teen girls with local professional outpatient therapy services for students who struggle with emotional or behavioral issues.
River View also provides 24-hour care and supervision. Young teen girl students are responsible for garden and animal chores on the ranch, in addition to school and homework. Of course, there are fun school activities, as well as the amazing national parks in the area.
Give us a call to learn more. We look forward to speaking with you! 1-800-494-2200
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