When Knoxville parents like you decide that adopting a child is right for your family, there are many other steps and processes that follow after the initial decision. Even after you’ve finished with planning out the big important things like finances, it still leaves equally important matters like preparing your home to be as welcoming as possible to the new addition.
Adoptive Families Magazine has not one, but ten whole lists that can help you prepare your home for your adopted child with as little stress and disorganization as possible. For example, they suggest making a list of health referrals. You’ll need to know the ins and outs of your child’s personal health. Everything from illnesses to sleeping and eating habits should be known so you can make their acclimation to a new home as smooth as possible.
Another suggestion is doing as much prep-work in advance as you can. The first few days, weeks, or even months with your new child can be a whirlwind of stress and adapting. Cut down on the extra work you’ll have to deal with then by doing all of your cleaning in advance. It may also be helpful to cook large batches of food or big meals so that you can freeze and store leftovers which can be thawed later for easy dinners. Buying toys, games, clothes, and other items may also be a good plan.
Of course, these are just a few of the things that can be done to prepare for your child’s arrival. The more time you have to create, organize, and manage lists, the less frantic you’ll have to be as the day of your child’s arrival grows closer.