Deciding to adopt a new family member is one of the most exciting moments you can experience as a family. Not only are you choosing to expand your family, but this is also your opportunity to give another child a new home. Many couples love to increase the size of their family by having two children or more. That’s because they feel like the more children they have, the happier their family will be.
Aside from this being an exciting experience, this can also be an emotional event for both adoptive parents and the adopted child. Adoption is a beautiful, life-affirming process for kids and adoptive parents; however, most of the time, the adoption process is a lengthy procedure that requires a lot of paperwork, time, and sometimes investigation. Nonetheless, it still doesn’t change the fact that adoption is a wonderful opportunity for both the child and the adoptive parents.
If you’re looking to adopt a child, here are five considerations you should remember before proceeding.
- The Adoption Process Is Not Easy
Perhaps you may have noticed how in the movies, they portray adoption as a half-day, quick process, where you just choose a kid and go. Movies like to portray adoption as an easy and appealing process to potential adopters.
In reality, the adoption process is not easy, and it takes a lot of time and plenty of paperwork. It’s so complex that you even have to hire an adoption lawyer to help you go through the entire procedure.
Furthermore, the lengthy process can also be emotionally draining for both the child and the parents. It can take time for both to adjust, get to know each other, and eventually get used to the idea that the child will have a new environment. Thus, when you decide to go through with the adoption, remember to be patient and bear with the complexity of the process.
- Adoption Must Be A Family Decision
Deciding to adopt a child must not be a one-person decision. Adoption will not only affect you as a parent, but it will also affect the entire family. Even if you’re sure for yourself that you want to adopt a child, make sure you talk this decision through with your family, especially your biological kids.
Ask yourself how adopting a child will impact them as a person and as a family. Ask your biological kids about how they feel at the thought of a new adopted sibling. Most importantly, ask yourself if are you emotionally and financially stable enough to add another child to the family. Don’t forget to consider your home environment and see if it’s fit for another a child.
- Know The Types Of Adoption And Which Is Right For You
There are numerous types of adoption that you may have to consider during the early stages. Once you and the entire family are on the same page, decide together which type you’re most comfortable with. Some of the most common adoption types include:
- private adoption agency
- public adoption agency
- independent adoption.
Children in the public adoption agencies are in legal custody due to past situations or trauma they have survived. Meanwhile, private adoption agencies are non-government entities that help children find a perfect and well-matched adoptive family for them. On the other hand, independent adoption is when no agency is involved. It is a deal between the birth parents and the adoptive parents, with an adoption lawyer to manage the legal terms.
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