More and more families are deciding to adopt children. Adoption can be a very time consuming and emotionally draining process for families. It is also often a big adjustment once your new child is at home with you. Some parents adopt their first child and other parents decide to adopt a second or third child.
Safe and Comfortable Home
Perhaps the most important thing is for the adopted child to feel safe and comfortable in their new home. Some adoptive children may have had traumatic experiences early in life and may not associate home with safety and security. Especially with older children it is important to establish a good balance between safety and independence. Some parents have a tendency to be overprotective and overbearing. If you are adopting a baby or toddler it could be helpful to consult a baby-proofing specialist especially if it is your first child.
Discuss with Your Children
If you have other children it is important to let them know that you are adopting and that they will have a new sibling. It can be helpful to have family discussions and ask questions about how your other children are feeling about welcoming a new sibling into their family. It can be a big adjustment for your children and they may need reassurance that you still love them the same and do not want to “replace” them. If you have a baby or toddler it is still important to talk about it even if they have limited understanding.
Making it Affordable
The cost of adoption varies based on where you are adopting from and how the process will work. For some families, adoption is too expensive and may not be an option. However, there are ways to make adoption more affordable for families. There are grants and tax credits offered to families who adopt. If you adopt a child with special needs you may be eligible for a higher tax credit and additional grants. Children’s Connections offers some ways to make adoption more affordable.
Connect with Adoptive Families
It can be helpful to find a network of other parents who have adopted so you can share your joys and struggles with each other. Support groups for adoptive parents can be especially helpful if you are going through the process or just welcomed your child. Psychologists and social workers can also be helpful resources as your family transitions and can help your adoptive child adjust to their new life. This can be especially helpful for children who were adopted from other countries and cultures. The Center for Adoption Support and Education offers resources to foster and adoptive families.
Boston Baby Nurse & Nanny Services
Night wakings can be exhausting for parents and lack of sleep can leave parents feeling scattered and foggy. An overnight newborn care expert provides care so sleep deprived parents can get a good night of sleep. Your baby needs sleep and so do you.
Daytime Newborn Care
Your Newborn Care Expert will care for your infant and create a stimulating environment that will help foster your baby’s development.
In-Home Consultant Visits
Our trained professionals can teach you how to best care for your baby. Many parents have questions about how to bathe their babies, how to swaddle, or a host of other questions. We also offer a variety of breastfeeding support and lactation services designed to help support and maximize your breastfeeding experience.
Baby Sleep Coaching
One in four children under the age of five has a sleep issue. Most children’s sleep issues are behavioral and not medical. If your child is struggling with sleep issues, you are not alone!
Nanny Placements
The care of your children is our highest priority. Connecting families with warm, responsible, and trustworthy caregivers is what we do best. Our team will meet with your family, identify qualified caregivers, and hand-select the best candidates for you to meet with.
