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Enroll in baby-care and child-care classes.
Adoptive parents get so wrapped up in all the nitpicky details of the home study process that they may neglect to prepare for parenting their child once he or she arrives home.
Laura’s Tip: Do you know how to change a diaper? Take a rectal temp (eeew)? Know what to do when your infant spikes a fever? Are you prepared to deal with a toddler temper tantrum? Most hospitals and some adoption agencies offer great parenting classes that will help you feel more confident as a parent.
Take care of yourself.
Adopting is a stressful journey, and it helps to eat right, exercise and get some recreation.
Laura’s Tip: Go to the movies. Visit the mall. Go skiing or rollerblading (or whatever sport you enjoy). Go out to dinner with your partner or with friends. You won’t have much time to do these things once your child arrives. Healthy activities help you avoid obsessing about adoption every moment of your day. Establish boundaries on the time you spend reading adoption listserves and blogs (except this one, of course!)
Get involved with your local adoption community.
Laura’s Tip: Probably the most important thing you can do for the long-term health of you and your family is to meet other adoptive parents. You’ll find them at regional support groups such as Families with Children From China. You’ll find them in your church. You’ll find them via online adoptive parent support groups. You’ll find them via local adoption agencies. Connecting with others who have “been there, done that” is a huge source of encouragement for every adoptive parent. They understand the anxiety of waiting. They understand the unique issues that adoptive families face. They sometimes provide built-in playgroups for your child. Best of all, they’ll introduce you to other adoptive families.
Read Tip #1
Read Tip #2
Read Tip #3
Read Tip #4
Inspiration for this article came from “Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda,” by Lisa Milbrand, Adoptive Families online magazine.
