The two most common challenges that families experience with post institutionalized children relate to sleep and food. I knew this prior to adopting my darling daughter. But I didn't realize sleep or the lack of sleep would be an issue for both of us.

Natasha came home with PTSD which severely interfered with her ability to sleep. I had always read that sleeping pills were addictive or ineffective for... more

Food and sleep... These are typically the 2 biggest issues for a post institutionalized child.

I adopted my darling daughter Natasha from Ukraine when she was 3.5 years old. At first I didn't fully understand just how afraid she was of the dark.

And to be honest, it look me a full year to really understand what Natasha was... more

My daughter, Natasha, was 3.5 years when she came home and had major sleep issues for the first year she was home. She had some major (scared out of her mind) fears related to sleep.

She still actually has sleep issues. But now she doesn’t want to sleep because she is afraid she will miss something fun or interesting.

Natasha was home for 6 months before she started talking specifically about her fears. For example she was afraid her caretaker... more

Every night I say the same things.

Tasha head on the pillow and eyes closed.

My daughter says the same thing in return.

I can't get to sleep.

Then I say.

You haven't tried. Eyes closed. Sleep. No talk.

Strange sleep ritual, but it works for us.

My darling's brain is racing all the time. She has ADHD and is on medication to help with impulse control. But the medication interferes with sleep. When she is off medication she sleeps about 1 hour more then when... more