Open Adoption, Adoption Openness, Adoption Contact - Thoughts and Feelings after a Visit

Open Adoption Blog

06/15/07

Thoughts and Feelings after a Visit

Posted by : Coley S. in Open Adoption Blog at 05:29 am , 367 words, 127 views
Categories: Feelings about Visits

Visits themselves are bittersweet. I love spending time with Charlie and his family, but I hate saying goodbye and dread that part before even going to the visit. I usually feel a little down and have a case of the post visit blues after a visit. You may experience this as well, but don’t worry, I have some ideas on how to cope!

When you get home, journal about your visit. Write down where you went, who all was with you, what you did, what your favorite part of the visit was, your thoughts and feelings, and any other pertinent details. Do this not too long after the visit while it is all still fresh in your mind. If you are the type who writes letters to your child and saves them for when he or she is older, you could write one about the visit.

Upload (if you use a digital camera) or develop any pictures you may have taken during your visit. Put them in your scrapbook or album that you keep pictures of your child in. You may also want to send your child a few snapshots.

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A few days after the visit, send your child a card or note telling him or her what a great time (assuming you had a great time) you had while spending time with him or her.

If you see a counselor or therapist, you may want to schedule an appointment in the days following your visit so that you can discuss it with your therapist or counselor.

You may want to go ahead and talk with your child’s adoptive parents near the end of your visit to schedule your next visit. It helps me to have a date and know when the next visit will be.

Lastly, know that it is ok to feel a little sad after a visit. As I said before, visits are bittersweet.

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Related Posts in this Series:
The Importance of Visits
How to Plan a Visit|
Visit Activities
Preparing for a Visit Emotionally
The First Visit
How to Avoid Problems during a Visit
How to Bond with Your Child during Visits
Summertime Visit Ideas
When Visits Include Other People

3 comments

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Comment from: newbie2007 [Member]

Thank you for sharing your story, I am a waiting adoptive parent and appreciate all the information I can get on how birthparents feel, so I can be supportive and understanding when we enter into our own open adoption. Your willingness to share is a gift.

Permalink 06/15/07 @ 10:47