6 Things Every New Adoptive Family Needs

Know a family that just adopted? Here's how to help.

Shelley Skuster January 17, 2018

Welcoming a new child to your family is a life-changing event, regardless of how that child comes to you – and regardless of how old the child is when they come to you.

Friends and family don’t hesitate to rush in with help when a new baby is born, but sometimes they forget that adoptive families are going through a major upheaval as well and can also use extra support.

Here are six things every new adoptive family needs.

1. Meals

Adjusting to a new routine with a new baby or child is hard.

Consider organizing a meal train for the new adoptive family (TakeThemAMeal.com is a great website!) Be sure to pass along any food allergies or preferences before asking others to bring their favorite dish or take-out meals.

Also, don’t be alarmed if the family isn’t up for visitors quite yet; bonding as a new family unit takes time. If they’re not ready for company, encourage them to leave a cooler on their front porch for folks to drop meals in.

2. Encouragement

No matter what age and stage your kids are in, parenthood isn’t easy.

Drop a card off in the mail for the new family, and let them know they’re doing a good job. Or send this link in an email to encourage them on the journey.

3. Coffee (or drink of choice)

Parenthood is exhausting.

Whether it’s a quick stop at a local coffee shop to drop off a latte or a gift card in the mail for a drink of their choice, new parents always appreciate the thoughtfulness of others.

4. A devotional, journal or life book

The adoption process is filled with many emotions. Consider gifting the new adoptive parents with a journal or devotional to help them document the journey they’re on.

And depending on the age of the child, you may also consider providing the materials for a life book – a book with a purpose of preserving memories and documenting a child’s unique life story.

5. A helping hand

Everybody needs a little help sometimes, and adoptive families are no different.

Depending on your relationship with the family, consider helping with daily house tasks like dishes or cleaning. Or maybe you have time to tackle some yardwork or snow removal. They’ll appreciate the extra hand while they adjust to a new routine.

Shelley Skuster

Shelley is a former award-winning television journalist who traded in suit coats and red lipstick for a messy bun and yoga pants. She's a freelance writer who stays at home with her three daughters who are all ((gasp)) under the age of three and came to her via adoption and birth. She's the woman behind the blog Shelley Writes and she can also be found on facebook and twitter as ShelleySkuster.

Know a family that just adopted? Here's how to help.

Shelley Skuster

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