In order to adopt a baby or child, a home study is required so that the surroundings where the child will be living can be evaluated. In order for your home study to go smoothly when the adoption professional visits, there are a number of things that you can do to make a good impression.
Most people are very busy with work, other aspects of their adoption, and everyday life so they have a hard time finding the time to clean and get their home ready for their home study. Getting your home in shape for the home study doesn’t have to be stressful or unpleasant. Keep in mind; this is all groundwork for bringing your baby home. The tasks ahead won’t feel like such a chore if you look at them as a part of preparing for new beginnings.
Here are 9 tips to make the process of getting ready for the adoption home study easier:
- Create a list to sort out what needs to be done. You list might include remodeling your study into bedroom for your future child, or getting rid of stuff that’s no longer used and is just creating clutter.
- Make sure you have the correct tools for the job you are doing. And, it’s much more efficient if you have a box or pail to hold all your cleaning materials. That way, you can carry your supplies with you while cleaning instead of having to go back and forth to get what you need.
- Give yourself a job each day to spend an hour completing, and take it one room at a time. For example, Sunday can be laundry day, Monday you spend time getting rid of clutter, Tuesday can be spent dusting and vacuuming, etc.
- Clear your home of all of the junk. If it’s not something that has sentimental value or is regularly used, it’s junk and you should donate or dispose of it.
- Make it enjoyable. Work together and play some of your favorite music or a favorite podcast; you’ll be amazed at what you were able to get done.
- Get rid of distractions: turn off the TV and ignore your phone for a bit.
- Take your work outside if it’s a nice day: do some yard work or touch-ups on your home’s exterior. Working outside will be helpful in lifting your spirits.
- Keep in mind that a deep cleaning will also involve organizing your attic, basement, closets, and cupboards.
- Open up your windows and doors: this can do wonders in letting in some fresh air and sunshine and bringing a clean and fresh atmosphere to your home. As long as the weather is nice, let in lots of fresh air.
Your objective with the home study is to present your home in the best possible light to the adoption professional; therefore paying attention to detail will be worth it. Look at this project not so much as a chore, but as a step in bringing your child home through adoption.
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.
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