Readers Respond: How Did You Prepare for Parenting Before Your Child Arrived?

I've been thinking about how adoptive parents prepare for parenting. Did the new family think to prepare to parent? This reminds me of another joyous occasion – weddings. Many young couples spend so much time planning their weddings that they forget to plan their marriages. It just doesn’t all end with the trip down the aisle. It’s the same with adoption or foster care; it doesn't end with the trip home.

Preparation for New Child

I arranged to take off one month, when my son arrived. I had his room ready,w/great toys. A small party w/family members was scheduled 5 days after his arrival, including our minister, he was so happy, he still is.

—Guest Elcie