Waiting is one of life’s greatest challenges. Whether for a doctor’s appointment, traffic to clear, or important news about building a family through adoption, waiting can intensify feelings of stress and anxiety.
Fortunately, there are several strategies to manage this stress and make the most of your waiting time:
Nurturing Emotional Resilience
Prioritize self-care. Engage in activities that help you manage stress and nourish your well-being—such as exercise, meditation, time in nature, or a favorite hobby.
Keep a gratitude journal. Make a list of the positive aspects of your life. Gratitude journaling is scientifically proven to promote a positive mindset.
Identify coping strategies that work for you. Whether it’s deep breathing, mindfulness, or creative expression, adaptive coping skills calm the nervous system and help regulate emotions.
Embrace uncertainty. Accept that the timeline is unpredictable and focus on the present moment, rather than dwelling on the unknown.
Practical Preparation During the Wait
Take care of your to-do list. Tackle home projects, organization tasks, or responsibilities you’ve postponed. These steps create both productivity and peace of mind.
Explore childcare and healthcare options. Begin gathering information on local childcare providers and pediatricians. When possible, look for adoption-competent pediatricians to support your family’s unique journey.
Educate and involve your family. Help extended family understand the adoption process, learn positive adoption language, and prepare to respond with sensitivity to common questions.
By approaching the waiting period with intention, you can transform it into a meaningful time of preparation and growth. Doing so not only strengthens your foundation as a future parent but also deepens your connection to the wider adoption community, which offers wisdom, support, and shared experience.
One Adoption Connection parent, Ellen G., captured this feeling powerfully in her blog post An Adoption Story—The Road to Everett:
“I thought about what it would be like to have a birthmother and perhaps her own family as part of my adopted child’s world. So many unknowns kept me awake at night. And all the while we were waiting. So much of our journey seemed to be about waiting.”
—Suzanne Dennis, MSW, MS
Adoption Caseworker
