6 Ways to Thank Those Who Supported Your Adoption Journey

Sometimes it takes a village to bring a child home. Have you thanked your fellow villagers?

Shelley Skuster April 02, 2016

We’ve all heard the saying “It takes a village to raise a child,” right?

Sometimes it takes a village to bring a child home.

Think about all the people who helped you in the adoption process. Have you thanked them?

Whether their role was big or small, it’s important express gratitude toward those who have stood by you and supported you in your family’s adoption journey.

Here are six people you don’t want to forget to thank—and suggestions for how to show your appreciation:

1. Social Workers

Social workers can be some of the most overworked and underpaid professionals. Thank them “a latte” with coffee or a gift card to a local coffee shop to give them the extra dose of caffeine they need to finish up home studies and post-placement reports.

2. Attorneys

Most attorneys and their staff will tell you one of the best parts of their job is finalizing an adoption. Be sure to send them a note of appreciation for their work in helping with the legal process, and maybe even a bouquet of flowers.

3. Breastmilk Donors

Nothing goes better with milk than cookies, right? Consider making a batch of your favorite cookies or bars and attaching a creative note of appreciation for women who have generously donated their breastmilk to feed your new baby.

4. Colleagues

If your colleagues donated their vacation time or supported you in other ways as you were on the adoption journey, consider delivering some sweet treats to your next office meeting.
Bonus: If your boss approves, make an appearance to your workplace with that sweet child of yours!

5. Church members

Publish a thoughtful note in your church bulletin or ask to speak at a service to thank the congregation for its support. Or you may consider hosting an appreciation meal like a pancake breakfast!

6. Friends and family members

Consider hosting a feast of appreciation for friends and family members who went above and beyond to show their support during your adoption journey. Nothing says, “Thank you,” like a home-cooked meal and fellowship with some of your favorite people.

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.

Sometimes it takes a village to bring a child home. Have you thanked your fellow villagers?

Shelley Skuster

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