Neighbors adopted kids from Ethiopia?

Question

My neighbors across the street just adopted three kids from Ethiopia.

A 7 year old girl, a 3 year old boy, and a 1 and a half year old girl.

The kids in our neighborhood are very close, and are excited to have new kids around to play with.

The 7 year old doesn't speak english yet, and is very shy. We want to welcome her and get to know her, play with her and such. We just don't know the best way to get acquainted with her, seeing as how she's not really used to things, and doesn't speak English yet. Any ideas on how to make her feel welcome and get to know her better? Should we learn some words in Ethiopian or something?

Answer 1

Just let the children play. They have their own language. Give them toys and leave them alone. Just watch, kids somehow communicate when playing no matter what language they speak.

I came from a country with about a hundred dialects, so i know that kids will always know how to communicate. Unless of course they had some bad history. ;)

Answer 2

First of all, I think it is great that you want to help them feel welcome in your neighborhood.  Hats off to you and your family!!

I would ask the mom of any suggestions.  Maybe you could buy the new kids some gifts.  Maybe they would like a doll or a stuffed teddy bear.

Again, I think it's great that you want them to feel comfortable and welcome.  Some people out in the world wouldn't try and be friendly with them.

  

Answer 3

Maybe you should call the mother and ask for suggestions.  Sometimes, it takes kids from other countries a while to get accustomed to our ways.  Even though they just adopted these kids, she probably already has an idea of their personalities and can tell you what they would like or respond to.

Answer 4

Thats really cool I am adopted too. Yes it is a good Idea to learn some words in ethiopian if you want to comunicate with them.  

Answer 5

Hi Linds,

There are many different languages spoke in Ethiopia depending on the demographics on where the children are from.  I know some Amharic, if that is their language just email me and i can help you.

The Ethiopian New Year is celebrated on September 11th.

http://www.selamta.net/Ethiopian%20Calen...

Injera is a flat bread served at almost every meal in Ethiopia.  Its more like what we would call a pancake.  It is typical to have a stewed meat and/or vegetables served on a common tray for all to sit around and scoop up the meal with their injera.  True injera is made with teff flour which may be difficult to find depending where you live.  Overall, it is an easy thing to make and the kids might enjoy the familiarity.

http://www.astray.com/recipes/?show=Inje...

I agree with Jennifer, mainly just be welcoming and kind.  Share food with them.  When they do talk listen and repeat their words.  Also play simple games with them such as bubbles and sidewalk chalk at first.  You are such a caring and kind neighbor they are lucky to have you:)

Answer 6

Just learning a sentence or two may help comfort them.  You could share a little gift bag of fun goodies with them or get some cute bracelets for them to wear.

Answer 7

Kids usually find a way to communicate with each other, in spite of a language barrier.  Play is pretty much the same.

Many people from Ethiopia speak Amharic, but that is just one of many languages spoken in that country.

Simple things are great: play-doh, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, simple building blocks, etc.  Also treats are a great ice breaker, but be sure you check with the parents first.  There's always the possibility of food allergies.

Best of luck!

Answer 8

I agree with the persons answer above me, I would meet & greet the mom and ask about some ways to communicate with the older girl so that you know if she is upset, happy sad, etc.  I love that your so open and welcoming these children into you & your children's lives as playmates.  Kudos to you for being so kind.  

Answer 9

You could check with her mother about language, but I wouldn't worry. Ethiopia has many languages, so until you find out which one she speaks, you wouldn't be able to look anything up. Language is not that big a barrier any way.

When my kids came home they had trouble playing games that required good motor skills. They couldn't jump rope or ride bikes. They had never held scissors or crayons before and had a lot of trouble controlling them.

The things they could do immediately and enjoyed were running games, soccer, things like that.  They loved balloons, playing with bubbles, glow bracelets.  Dogs and cats and stuffed animals freaked my children out.  

When we were at the orphanage in Ethiopia we found out a big icebreaker was letting the children use our digital camera with us.  They loved pressing that button and seeing the picture on the screen.  

If their mom is ok with it, food is a good ice breaker too. My children couldn't get enough bananas and oranges when they first came home.  "Toast with jelly" was one of the first phrases they mastered.