What to Do in the Waiting: Gather Books for Bonding

You close the door after the social worker leaves and the last home visit is done! This is a time to celebrate the huge feat of completing a home study showing you are ready to adopt a child. So, what do you do next while you wait for a referral?

One thing you can do while waiting:

Build a library of children’s books to build strong bonds! Find books that will build bonds between your child and each member of the family. It’s great to have some of them about adoption. But also find books to show family bonds between each member of the family. It will be some of the sweetest times you will have with your child.

Books for Bonding:

Mom and child: “Mommy’s Heart went Pop.” (an international adoption story).

Mommy’s Heart Went POP!: Christina Kyllonen, Peter Greer, Jeff Brown: 9781937498061: Amazon.com: Books

Dad and child: Just me and my dad Just Me and My Dad (Little Critter): Mayer, Mercer, Mayer, Mercer: 9780307118394: Amazon.com: Books

Brother and sister:

Gus Becomes a Big Brother: An Adoption Story: Lonczak, Heather S, Varjotie, Claudia: 9780978609399: Amazon.com: Books

Surrounded by Love: an open adoption story (domestic adoption) Surrounded by Love: An Open Adoption Story (Open Adoption Stories): Olson, Allison, Urbiztondo, Darlee: 9798985162912: Amazon.com: Books

While you wait for a referral, you can create a cozy space in your home where you can spend special time bonding with your child through these stories! When a child comes into your home who has not lived in a family, seeing the illustrations on the pages of books like these helps them gain a faster understanding of the love shared in a family. Holding the child in your lap, looking into their eyes, pointing to the book, and explaining the daily life of the family through these books will bring you and your child so much joy!

Here at Children’s/Carolina Adoption Services we hope you can remain hopeful and prepare places in your heart and home for your child as you wait for them.