If your child is escorted (like mine), you have had or will have your day at the airport. You will join the ranks nervous parents who have paced the waiting rooms in airports all over the world while waiting for their babies to come through the doors. Someone recently asked me who they should bring with them.

It’s up to you, but I know that our social worker suggested that we keep it on the smaller side. We brought both sets of grandparents and my sister (since she is also adopted from Korea). Truthfully, that seemed like a lot to me…but I’ve heard stories of whole extended families coming to greet the newest member of the family.

Here are some things that you may want to consider when making your decision:

• For some, the arrival is a very private experience. You may find that too many people are intrusive.

• You will want to respect the people around you. Though this is a happy and joyous day, there are other people there too and there might even be other waiting parents.

• Having a couple extra pair of hands comes in handy. People to take pictures and run the video camera…people to help steady your hands while you prepare your first bottle.

• Consider your child. Will your child be uncomfortable if there are too many people talking and taking pictures? How old is your child going to be on arrival? The older they are, the more cautious you will need to be with their first impression of their new family.

• If you have other children, keep in mind their needs as well. It might be nice for them to meet their new sibling in a calm environment. It also might be nice for them to have a lot of distraction. You’ll know you own children the best.

If you would like to comment, but not on this site, please e-mail me at adoptkoreablog@adoptionmail.com.