Choosing Christmas Gifts: A Guide for Newly Adoptive Parents

Adoptive parents may sometimes feel overwhelmed when it comes to decisions regarding their newest family member for example when choosing a Christmas gift. Adoption is an emotional process that involves a huge decision; therefore all choices made from here on out that affect the child will have to be thought out.

Remember, your newly adoptive children may not be so familiar with the celebration and the presence of strangers and loud festivities might somehow frighten them. They may not even be familiar with the local cultures of their new surroundings. Therefore, it is vital to make them feel comfortable and most importantly enjoy the occasion.

Here are some creative ideas you might want to put into practice:

• Present them on the family tree. Include the new family member on the family presentation tree. This will impress him or her and make them feel like they are accepted as part of the family.
  
  
• Include handcrafted jewelry as your gift. Your child will appreciate the gifts more if they see you going above and beyond to make something so personalized. If you’ve got an older child in the home this is the perfect idea.
  
  
• Present a stuffed animal like a teddy bear. Teddy bears are a great choice. They are soft and great to cuddle with. They can enhance your child’s sense of security.
  
  
• Shop online for gifts. Online stores provide a wide selection of gifts and you should be able to find on that is perfect for your child.
  
  
• Write a poem based on the child. The words should touch his or her heart and show him/her why he/she is a valued member of the family. Frame the poem and add their photo to top it off! 

 

6 Fun Ways to Bring a Smile to Your Kid’s Face

Kids are truly a gift. They can bring cheer and joy into your life. So wouldn’t it be a wonderful feeling if you could bring a smile every day at your kid’s face?

Here are some ways that you can achieve this feat without breaking sweat:

Decorate a fancy bedroom.

Of course you clean up your kid’s room but that is a part of your household chores. How about doing something for your kid? You can put some fresh flowers in the room or place your kid’s favorite story book on their pillow. You can do this while your kid is taking a bath and getting ready for bed or playing outdoors. It will make your child feel special.

Make a special poster.

Make an I Love You poster for your child and hang it on your kid’s bedroom door. This poster will make your kid feel loved and wanted. It will also allow you to express the depth of your feelings.

Cook an unusual surprise.

When your kids are expecting broccoli and other not so favorite dishes for a meal surprise them with their favorite food. It could be a plain peanut butter and jelly sandwich or it can be chocolate coated popcorn. Cooking something out of the ordinary schedule that your child loves will bring a bright smile onto his face.

Celebrate a crazy holiday.

Look for an excuse to come up with a crazy holiday. You can set a day aside each month as a Teddy Bear Day, Craft Day, Picnic Day, Only Play Day or anything else where your child does not have to do something routine and mundane.

Time for a realistic story.

All children love stories especially when they are ready to go to sleep. Instead of reading a storybook as usual try to make it unique and special. You could dress up like the main character of the story or come up with sounds to make the story more realistic. It would be fun for you and your child.

Make breakfast interesting.

Instead of rushing through breakfast, try to break the routine by playing a card or board game with your kid while munching on toast and eggs.