[janinelewis]

I'm in the process of adopting an AA boy between the ages of 6-8. I have an extra bedroom that will be his. So far I've been to one class and have turned in most of my paperwork. At what point should I get his room together completely? I have all the furniture I need already and will be using demin bedding. The bed has to be put together. The SW said that they will start homestudies during classes. Should the room be complete before the homestudy? Anyone have any suggestions on what type of other things a boy will need or want? I have an 8 year old daughter. So I'm used to girl stuff.

[tweetybirdus]

I have a friend who adopted three older children all at once and she found that the more stuff in their rooms, the more overstimulated the children got so I think at least for the homestudy, have a bed with bedding, a dresser and a desk or somewhere to do homework. I would definitely go minimal on the toys and decorations at first, introducing them a little at a time. Also, it might be fun for him to have some say in how his room is decorated and make him feel more like part of the family. I hope this helps.

Kat

[attyforkids]

I would agree with Kat. I don't think you'll be expected to have the room full for the homestudy; the fact that you have the furniture is good. I think it would make the child feel very at home & excited to decorate his own room.

[BethAF]

Maybe you could try to find out one thing that he likes (sports, dinosaurs, etc). Put one of those items in his room. Then he can help decorate the rest of it. I think it might make him feel good to see that someone cared enough to find out his tastes and try to incorporate it into his room.

Good luck to you!

Beth

[happygmom]

At ages 6-8 children have their own ideas about what they want in their rooms. I would hope that the SWs doing the homestudy would recognize that you will give your child the opportunity to express himself! KWIM?!

Happy G'Ma

[HBV]

Though we adopted an infant, we'd put in our profile that we were open to any race. I didn't do much but empty the room to have a "blank slate" so that I could have the opportunity to incorporate some things from the child's heritage into the room's decor. SW was fine, even impressed with that---mentioned it in our homestudy. So I don't think you need (or even want) to get it totally finished. I think happygmom is right, he'll want input in how his room looks.