| We all hear about baby showers for expecting | | | | older child, make sure your games reflect |
| parents, but what about for adopting parents? | | | | that as well. One great adoption party |
| An adoption baby shower is more than | | | | activity is to organize a Welcome Book for |
| acceptable - it's encouraged! Adopting | | | | the new child. Ask guests to bring pictures |
| parents have the same needs as any other new | | | | of themselves and their families to assemble |
| parents would, but with a few minor | | | | into a scrapbook page they will create at the |
| considerations.You should steer clear of | | | | shower.All of your shower decorations will |
| planning a surprise celebration on the day | | | | naturally depend on the style, theme, and |
| the family brings their child home. This can | | | | number of people attending. Balloons and |
| be a very emotional time - the new parents | | | | streamers are standard, but there are a lot |
| and child (especially if the child is older) | | | | of creative and fun ideas to make the party |
| will need a period of adjustment. It is very | | | | extra-special. You're truly only limited by |
| important to be sensitive to their needs. In | | | | your imagination here.If the adoption is an |
| this case, delivering care packages and | | | | international one, you could use decorations |
| planning your celebration for a later date | | | | that reflect the child's place of birth, and |
| would be acceptable and appreciated. Be sure | | | | include recipes from his or her home country. |
| to talk with the new parents and find out | | | | For guests, it will be a learning |
| what their wants and needs are before you set | | | | experience. |
| a shower date.Your shower invitations should | | | | |
| be sent out three to four weeks in advance, | | | | As with decorations, party favors should |
| and should include the time, date, and | | | | match your shower theme and party size. Your |
| location of the shower. Don't forget to set | | | | favors can be used as place settings, prizes, |
| an RSVP date with your telephone number and | | | | or they can be handed out at the end of the |
| address. If it is at all possible, include | | | | party. A very popular idea for adoption |
| the child's birth date, as well as when he or | | | | showers is a special program for guests to |
| she was officially adopted or welcomed into | | | | keep. Written inside should be commitments |
| the home of his or her new parents. This | | | | to the child from his or her new parents, |
| will help your guests to pick age appropriate | | | | poems about love, family, and adoption, and |
| gifts. In the case of foreign adoptions, you | | | | prayers for the future. |
| could also add information about the birth | | | | |
| country to inform your guests.As with other | | | | When labeling your favor, keep in mind that |
| baby showers, the theme for an adoption baby | | | | your party is, again, in honor of an |
| shower should be the same. However, if the | | | | adoption, not a birth. Your wording on gift |
| child that was adopted is older, you should | | | | tags should reflect that.Adoption is a very |
| tailor your party to suit their age and | | | | exciting time for the new parents. A baby |
| favorite things. For example, a small girl | | | | shower or welcome party allows friends and |
| might love everything that involves the | | | | family members to share in on the family's |
| Disney princesses and may go absolutely crazy | | | | joy. When you host or even attend such a |
| over the color pink. In turn, an older boy | | | | party, it is very important to know the needs |
| may be fascinated by soccer and anything | | | | and wants of the parents. Be sure to know |
| green. Don't be afraid to be a little | | | | ahead of time how old the child is. Find out |
| creative to help make the party a special | | | | if the parents have registered anywhere. |
| celebration to welcome the new child into | | | | Parents who are adopting should be reminded |
| your circle of family and friends!Baby shower | | | | that they can actually register for older |
| games are important too! However, stay away | | | | children as well as newborns.By planning and |
| from games that are maternity-related. It's | | | | hosting an adoption party, you are helping |
| very important that you keep in mind that you | | | | the new family formalize the acceptance of |
| are celebrating the gift of adoption. Your | | | | their child into their circle. You will be |
| games help set the tone of the party, and | | | | creating an occasion that will be documented |
| should be mixed in with any other activity | | | | for the child to look at in the future and |
| going on. An average shower lasts about two | | | | remind them how much they were welcomed and |
| hours, so look at playing two to three party | | | | loved from the start. |
| games. If the new parents are adopting an | | | | |