Every year, there are over 120,000 domestic adoptions happening in the United States. If you are considering expanding your family by means of adoption, there are many things that you can do to prepare yourself for the process.
Requirements for adoption change rapidly. In addition to familiarizing yourself with the legal ins and outs, there are some things you can do to prepare mentally for adoption. According to Women’s Day, prepare yourself to expand your definition of a “traditional” household and keep your perspective on the adoption realistic.
Moving away from the “traditional” household
According to a 2014 Pew Research Center analysis, fewer than half of all children in the United States live in a “traditional” family with both a biological mother and father at home. This means that well over half of U.S. families are not “traditional.”
Many Americans believe that they will not be able to succeed at adopting domestically if they do not fit the mold of a traditional nuclear family. In today’s modern world, this is untrue. It is possible for individuals to adopt children as single parents, same-sex parents and even individuals over the age of 55.
You are not a savior
There is a difference between saving a child and adopting one. Namely, if you view your adoption journey as saving a child, it is likely that this will come across in your interactions with the child.
Parenting is difficult work overall, and it is true that even biological parents expect a modicum of gratitude from their children. However, you should never make an adopted child believe that they owe you something for “saving” them from their previous circumstances.
