1. Have lots of patience - You’ll need it ....
...when waiting for placement calls
...after the children are placed with you
...during your adoption waiting period
...after adoption whenever the kids are cranky or not listening
...if you’ve adopted a special needs child

2. Have a large sense of humor - in other words, don’t wait until you think ....
....‘this will be funny someday’. It needs to be funny now or you might loose your cool! I know a foster - adopt parent whose child poops all over the house and specifically in the heater vents. This is a very experienced Mom and she knows enough to laugh about it - otherwise she'd just cry.

3. Know when you need some private time. Keep one part of your home totally off limits to children. Think of this as your haven and have a Time Out for parents when you need it! I have a spot I go outside when the weather is nice and just chill a while. It only takes a few minutes to feel refreshed.

4. Be willing to let go of all expectations. - around the children, around yourself, what you think your parenting style is. Everything changes when you add a child.

5. Expect losses. You’ll be dealing with your childs emotional losses. You may have your own set of wishes/expectations to let go of as well.

6.. Enjoy your child for who he or she is - not whom you want them to be.

7. Be actively involved in your children’s interests and goals - even if they don’t mesh with yours.

8. Accept and be compassionate toward your children’s birth family - even if you’ve never met them or believe they are evil. After all, your children come from their genes.

9. Integrate the children into your family as quickly as possible.

10. Learn from your mistakes. Don’t worry too much if you screw it up once in a while.

11. Enjoy it!

(Ok, that’s 11 not 10)


Please add your own in the comments below!