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Adoption First Days
Tips to Help Everyone Relax and Enjoy the New Family Member
By Teri Brown
Remember that your time will be limited after the arrival of your child. It is best to do your research on adoption and attachment before you get your child. If you anticipate a cross-cultural adoption, research the culture of your child and try to connect with others who share your child's cultural heritage. Other tips include the following:
- Talk with your support network of family and friends about your fears before your child comes home. Even parents who have prepared for nine months for the birth of their child can be overwhelmed by the arrival of their baby.
- Join a support group of other adoptive parents or join an online forum to discuss common fears, issues and solutions to parenting problems.
- Try to take care of your physical health and get plenty of sleep as everyone will be sleep deprived with the arrival of your child.
"The best thing you can do is to start planning and brainstorming solutions to problems now, as this will help you feel less overwhelmed when your child comes home," Pluntz says.
The first days with your adopted baby are rarely easy, but with planning, preparation and a little flexibility, you can make those days as relaxing and rewarding as possible.
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