How to Handle the Adoption Waiting Period in Texas
Adoption can be a wildly exciting time for many potential adoptive parents, but it doesn’t happen overnight.
A common problem that adoptive parents have is wondering how they’re going to spend their adoption waiting period in Texas.
When you work with American Adoptions of Texas, you can expect to wait anywhere from nine to 18 months to bring home your baby. Because there’s no way to know up front how long your waiting period for adoption in Texas will be, it’s important to find ways you can cope with your wait.
If you have questions about how you can build your family through adoption, then contact us online to get free adoption information now, or call 1-800-ADOPTION.
Emotions of the Adoption Waiting Period in Texas
When you’re waiting to adopt a baby in Texas, chances are that you may be experiencing many emotions, including:
- Frustration
- Fear
- Anxiety
- Excitement
- Nervousness
Each of these emotions is normal and expected. There’s no “right” or “wrong” way you’re supposed to feel during your adoption waiting period in Texas.
Facing a lot of emotions is normal and expected, but it’s also important to find healthy ways of coping with those feelings during your adoption waiting period in Texas.
For example, you could:
- Try a new hobby
- Spend time with your family and friends
- Do some sightseeing in your hometown
- Write in a journal
- Listen to your favorite music
You can also talk with your adoption specialist when you’re waiting to adopt a baby in Texas. Remember that your specialist is here to help you. They’ve helped many hopeful adoptive parents just like you, so they’re an invaluable resource for you right now.
Benefits of Working with American Adoptions
One of the best ways you can curb your anxiety and reduce your stress while waiting to adopt a baby in Texas is to work with American Adoptions.
Our team is standing by and ready to help you every step of the way.
Here are just a few of the ways we can help:
- Birth parent matching – We’d love to work with you to create an adoptive family profile that will give prospective birth mothers a better understanding of who you are.
- Communication – Here at American Adoptions, we believe in open communication. We’ll keep you updated on the adoption process every step of the way so you know exactly what the status of your adoption is.
- Guidance – We’re on your side. Our goal is to help you build your family through adoption, so we’ll guide you through the paperwork, the questions and the adoption process from start to finish.
5 Ways to Spend the Adoption Waiting Period in Texas
Are you ready to “hurry up and wait” for your new child?
Here’s how you can make the most of the adoption waiting period in Texas.
1. Communicate
Adoption is a huge choice that comes with many emotions. Make sure that you express those emotions and speak with the important people in your life about them.
If you’re adopting with a spouse or partner, then let them know how you’re handling the adoption process.
You can also talk to your:
- Friends
- Family members
- Therapist
Also, it’s important for you to talk with your social worker about your hopes for the adoption. Your social worker wants to help you have the smoothest experience possible, so be sure to let them know up front exactly what your hopes and dreams are for the adoption.
2. Read Parenting and Adoption Books
When you’re waiting to meet your baby, make the most of your adoption waiting period in Texas. Start out by reading both parenting and adoption books.
It’s important to prepare yourself as much as possible for parenthood. Even if you already have children or you’re knowledgeable about adoption, reading books is a wonderful way to make sure you’re emotionally ready to meet your new baby.
You can also read books to any children you already have to help them prepare to become an older sibling.
3. Spend Time Exploring the City while Waiting for ICPC
If you’re adopting a child from another state, then you’ll most likely need to remain in that state until you’ve received permission to travel back home.
While you’re waiting for your ICPC approval, consider doing some exploring while you’re waiting.
You could:
- Visit museums
- Check out local walking paths
- Visit tourist attractions
- Enjoy local restaurants
- Do a little shopping
Although you can’t speed up the ICPC process, you can make the most of your time. Sightseeing can be a wonderful way to spend it.
4. Enjoy Your “Alone Time”
It’s no secret that parenthood is life-changing. One of the most important things you can do during your adoption waiting period in Texas is to enjoy your “me” time.
Before you bring home your new baby, make sure that you spend time:
- Enjoying your favorite hobbies
- Hanging out with your favorite people
- Relaxing and pampering yourself
Your life will change in many ways once your baby arrives, so make sure that you take time to relax now.
5. Take a “Babymoon”
It’s common for new parents to take a “babymoon” together before their child arrives. Similar to a honeymoon, a babymoon is a time to travel and relax before your new baby arrives. Whether you are adopting as a single parent or with a partner, taking a babymoon can be a calming way to begin your parenting journey.
Start the Adoption Process
When you’re ready to start your adoption journey, call us at 1-800-ADOPTION.
You can also get more free information now when you fill out our contact form online.
We’d love the chance to help you build your family, so don’t wait.
Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.