Keep it simple sounds easy enough, but with our daily schedules and routines, life becomes hectic.  Keeping it simple is important when bringing a child into your home.  The child can be an infant, toddler, or school age.  We want to keep our life simple to help the child adjust to his new environment.  Our environment is rich with sounds and colors.  Imagine walking into your home after living in a orphanage, foster care or other institutional care center, you would be bombarded with smells, sounds, and colors.  Learning to deal with your home environment before venturing into stores, schools, and church will help your child adjust.

When preparing your home for your child’s arrival, put away extra toys and games.  You want to limit the number of toys to help deal with over stimulation.  You can gradually add toys but limiting toys and books will help your child.  Plan a simple bedroom, you can paint the walls but wait to add a lot of decorative items.  If you are bringing home an older child, he can help chose items for his room.

Before traveling to bring your child home, buy groceries.  Buy as many groceries and supplies as you can.  When you arrive home, you will not have to go right away to the store.  Freezing meals can also be a big help.  You won’t have to worry about the answer to “What’s for dinner?”

Staying close to home helps a child attach to his parents.  The child learns to come to mom and dad for help.  He learns to trust his parents.  Feeling safe and trusting mom and dad are important to the attachment process.  By staying close to home, you are giving your child every opportunity to connect with you.

Keep a routine.  Children coming from a care center are accustomed to having a scheduled day.  It is okay for you to do the same.  Have the children get up at the same time each day.  Have your day scheduled in a way that works best for you.  This can take some time.  Many families take three to six months before they feel they have a schedule that works for them.  A routine provides structure and comfort for a child.

Some families have children already at home.  Adding a child to the family can be complicated, your children may have school and sports activities.  It may be helpful to limit the number of after school activities.  Instead of two children playing soccer and football, you may find it easier to have one child involved each season.  Let family and friends help you with carpooling.  You will be able to repay their kindness one day.

If a friend offers to bring over a meal or mow your grass,let them and tell them thank you!  These small acts of kindness will help you focus on your children.

Parents may need to limit their own volunteer activities the first year.  This will help you maintain your Keep It Simple lifestyle.  You will be able to continue your activities later, but your family will need your help and support.   You will also feel less stress due to commitments to family and organizations.

When you arrive home, you will be tired.  Friends and family will be anxious to see you and meet your child.  Remember, keep it simple; wait to throw the big Welcome Home party until after you have all had  time to adjust.  The celebration will be sweeter without the chaos and anxiety.  For now, go home and enjoy your new family.

I am here if you need me, feel free to call me at (843) 871-6286 or e-mail me any time.