This week I’ve been writing about the realities that many adoptive parents face after returning home with their new little one. For my family, the calm ease of Viet Nam was a complete contrast to our life once we got home. Once we got back to the daily grind (but now with an infant!) I was shocked at how difficult it was to transition into life as a family of three at home.

Through my own experience and talking to other adoptive families, I have learned that being prepared is the number one tip when it comes to making life a little easier after you come home with your child. Getting your home and home life in as much order as possible before coming home will help you ease into family life without having to worry about as many mundane everyday details.

Here are some ways you can prepare for your homecoming:

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  Pack your freezer! If you cook, set aside a few days for marathon cooking and make casseroles, burritos, pasta sauces; all things that freeze well. I checked out a cookbook at my library that was something about ‘OAMC’ or ‘Once a Month Cooking’ that had great ideas to prepare bulk amounts of freezer meals ahead of time. Having yummy, nutritious dinners ready and waiting on days where there just wasn’t time to cook was wonderful.
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  Enlist the help of family and friends. Try and swallow your pride and accept the help that is offered to you. If someone wants to vacuum your house or do your dishes, let them!
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  Have your house clean and organized for when you return. Coming home to a sink full of dishes and overflowing hampers that have been sitting for three weeks would not be a pleasant welcome home. Try to arrange everything so all you have to do is come home and get some rest.
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  Have baby supplies ready to go. Although you will have everything you need with you, keep some basics at home. Sterilize your bottles before you leave so they’re ready to go when you need them. Extra diapers, wipes and pajamas will always come in handy.
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  Try not to overextend yourself before you’re even home. If people try to make plans with you for ‘when the baby’s home,’ urge them to wait until you’re home and settled before swooping in.

More Reading:
This Time Last Year: Homecoming!
Adoption Support
Conflicting Emotions During the First Days Home