Day 16: When Kids Come With Instructions

One of the ways adopted kids differ from kids raised in their biologic families is that some come with instruction manuals, like a lawn mower. You can either read the manual or disregard it. I usually toss it aside, but this time I read it. Grass can always grow back if you screw it up. A kid, well sometimes they don't. Not every adoptive family gets a manual--it has to do with the child's age, known history, current situation. But we're blessed because we did get one. We learned about Rex even before he stepped into our home.

At the placement appointment, we got a printout of Rex' daily schedule--when he wakes up, when he naps, when he eats, when he plays. We learned about his food likes--french fries and bananas--and favorite activities. He loves water, enjoys Barney, and takes a bottle at sleep times. Those instructions really helped our first few weeks with Rex. But what's probably more valuable is that we're in contact with Rex' foster family--we're still getting instructions. We've asked questions and they've answered them, and it has helped us understand Rex a whole lot better.

Just recently his foster mom, Ralin, informed us that less than a year ago, before Rex started living in their home, he was in an orphanage and didn't want to leave his crib. He preferred sitting in his crib alone all day, a full-time loner. Since his social skills were lacking, the orphanage recommended him for foster care in order to prepare him for adoption, which is how he ended up with Ralin and her family. They made great progress with Rex! He's a loner no more! We're so thankful for the love they gave him, and the advice they give us. Sometimes kids come with instructions; and it's a manual worth reading.