Parents that make the decision to adopt a child spend lots of time researching what agency to choose, deciding whether to adopt domestically or internationally, learning a different culture and decorating the nursery. With all the interviewing, researching and paperwork, learning the ins and outs of parenting sometimes falls to the bottom of the list of things to do. The adoption process can take a long time, so adoptive parents should take advantage of the time before their child arrives to learn some parenting rules and tips.
There are an unlimited number of handbooks, guides and magazines on the market that are available to waiting parents that help sort out what to expect during certain stages of a child’s life. There are books for health and nutrition, behavior and development and specific books for moms and dads. Because adoptive children may also experience grief, separation and loss, there are specific books available for those issues as well. Two very helpful books are “What To Expect The First Year” and “What To Expect The Toddler Years” by Arlene Eisenberg, Heidi E. Murkoff and Sandee E. Hathaway, B.S.N.
Parents may also want to sign up for parenting classes to help prepare them for raising a child. There are many classes available such as basic baby parenting classes, CPR, First Aid and classes for parents of special needs children.
And of course, talk to the experts. Ask questions of friends and family who have done this before. Most often, friends and family welcome sharing of their parenting stories, experiences and mistakes.
Parents can only prepare so much for parenting from books, classes and asking questions. Once an adoptive child joins the family, it takes practice, practice, practice. No one is perfect, and new parents will make mistakes. But new parents will find it won’t take long before they feel like they are the parenting experts.