You’ve checked everything off your adoption checklist, and now you’re in the adoption wait. Waiting for a birth mother to choose you for an adoption match can be an incredibly trying time. The ups, downs, and unknowns of waiting for adoption can become all-consuming. During this time, some waiting adoptive parents start unknowingly neglecting that which matters most to them.
Today, Lifetime is sharing 6 things that parents waiting for adoption should avoid neglecting:
1. Your Relationship
Frustrations over the adoption wait easily can become a source of tension between a couple. So, don’t let your plans to adopt become the focus of every conversation you have. Communicate honestly, go on dates frequently, and just have fun together!
2. Wellness
Now’s the time to begin (or continue) making healthy eating choices. Get enough quality sleep, exercise, and make time to relax and unwind. Exercising will improve your sleep, prevent weight gain, and give you a nice energy boost. And, if you have any health concerns, make sure to get those checked out now.
3. Your Job
Don’t let your adoption wait compromise your performance at work. It’s smart to have an honest discussion with your boss about potential adoption travel, adoption leave, and possible changes in your work hours once you adopt.
4. Friends and Family
Your friends and extended family are excited for you to announce the happy news of your adoption. During your adoption wait, keep being a loyal friend. You’ll certainly appreciate the tips and guidance that your friends with children can provide you with once you adopt.
5. Plans and Goals
Some waiting families are nervous to take a vacation because they might get “the call” while away from home. During your adoption wait, don’t put your life on hold. The best time to continue to pursue your plans and goals is now; before your baby arrives. So have fun on that vacation, take the class, and join the organization.
6. Hobbies
Enjoy your favorite hobbies and activities, and sharpen your skill level in them. Because once you bring your baby home, you’ll probably have less energy, money, and time to spend doing your favorite hobbies.
The problem with neglecting your priorities is that once you adopt, the issues created by neglecting what matters most doesn’t just go away. Starting parenthood in a state of confusion, loneliness, frustration, or anxiety isn’t healthy or productive. Plus, having a new baby home can bring about additional stress. So this time waiting for adoption is the best time to make deliberate decisions to focus on your priorities and give time, energy, and attention to relationships, activities, and things which matter to you!
As Vice President of Lifetime Adoption, Heather Featherston holds an MBA and is passionate about working with those facing adoption, pregnancy, and parenting issues. Heather has conducted training for birth parent advocates, spoken to professional groups, and has appeared on television and radio to discuss the multiple aspects of adoption. She has provided one-on-one support to women and hopeful adoptive parents working through adoption decisions.
Since 2002, she has been helping pregnant women and others in crisis to learn more about adoption. Heather also trains and speaks nationwide to pregnancy clinics to effectively meet the needs of women who want to explore adoption for their child. Today, she continues to address the concerns women have about adoption and supports the needs of women who choose adoption for their child.
As a published author of the book Called to Adoption, Featherston loves to see God’s hand at work every day as she helps children and families come together through adoption.
0 Comments