Preparing for the Arrival of Your Child


Infants, Children, Teens, and Sibling Groups

Adoption is not just about babies. Children of all ages are adoptable and being adopted. Older child and teen adoption has been on the increase for years, so people prepare for the arrival of children at all different ages, and in the case of sibling group adoptions, they prepare for the arrival of children of various ages. This article looks at some common concerns.

Preparing for the arrival of a newly adopted infant, child, teen or adult via adoption is as exciting as it is stressful, and happy as it is hectic. The key to a smooth process of adjustment is utilizing the support systems, both online and offline, that exist to help all parents through this unforgettable time.

Don't forget to take a few photographs and record your thoughts in the child's lifebook, baby book, or in your personal journal. Someday, you will want to look back on this unique experience, and re-live all of its positive aspects.

Table of Contents

•Safety
Whether you're adopting an infant, toddler, school-age child, or teen, taking safety measures in your home is an important part of preparing.

•Pre-Placement Visits
The number of pre-placement visits will depend on several factors, and these suggestions will help the visits go smoothly and establish your initial interactions with your child.

•Medical Needs
It is important to be as fully aware of your child's medical needs before placement.

•Daily Routine Needs
Eating, sleeping, and clothing are some of your child's daily needs, and working with a previous routine or establishing your own will be a concern.

•Bonding & Attachment
These are not the same, and the development of one and not the other may be of concern.

•Concerns Specific to International and Transracial Adoption
The differences for parents adopting internationally and/or across racial lines from those adopting same-race children domestically can be slight or extreme.

•Maintaining Contact With The Foster Family And Others
An adopted child's past cannot be ignored and continued contact with former foster families, biological family members, and/or others may be important to your child's adjustment, growth, and development.

Next Page: Household Safety

Copyright © 2003 Rita Laws and Nancy Ashe. All rights reserved. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

Dr. Rita Laws is not only a recognized authority on many issues connected to the adoption of special needs children, but she is also the mother of 12 children (by birth and adoption) and has welcomed children of all ages into her family. She shares tips and suggestions gleaned from her personal experience and knowledge gained from working with thousands of families in her 24 years of advocacy, support, and education.