In our last blog we detailed five important things you need to consider before you make the choice in adopting a child. The adoption process is difficult and intensive, and raising an adopted child comes with numerous challenges as well. But it can also be one of the most rewarding things you will ever do in your life.
In Part II of our blog, we explain five more things every potential parent needs to think about before they make the choice to try adopting a child.
6) Nonbiological Parents
Some people assume that raising an adoptive child will be the same as raising a biological child. The fact is, there will be unique challenges to being a nonbiological parent to a child, no matter how much you treat your adopted child as if they were your own. Ask yourself if you are ready for those challenges.
7) Support System
Consider whether or not you have a significant enough support system around you to handle raising an adoptive child. Are you entering into this adoption with a spouse or do you plan on being a single parent? Either way, do you have family and friends that will help? You’ve heard the saying, “It takes a village…” It is neither healthy nor fair to try to raise a child without any sort of support system around you.
8) Grief and Trauma
Adoptions inherently find the child coming from a place of trauma. Being abandoned by one’s parents or losing one’s parents, no matter the circumstances, will have serious effects on the mental health and development of any child. The older they are when you adopt them, then the more grief and trauma they are likely to have been affected by. Are you prepared to help them recover from such challenging emotional issues? Furthermore, what will you do if your child wants to learn more about their past and their biological parents? These are all likely and often difficult scenarios, and you need to consider how you would handle each of them.
9) Patience
Your patience is going to be seriously tested by the adoption process and even by the act of raising an adopted child. Adopting a child is a long, drawn-out, and frustrating process and you need to be prepared to be patient throughout. You also need to have patience with your new child. It will take time for them to show you love and to adjust to their new life. Patience is key to helping them grow and feel comfortable as a member of your family, and to learn to love their new parents.
10) Open Book
Adoption agencies don’t just give a child to anyone who comes knocking. They are going to vet you and dig into your most personal and private information. Are you prepared to be an open book and give them any information or access to your life that they ask for? If you have skeletons in your closet, an adoption may not be right for you.
As you can infer from this two-part blog series, an adoption is a challenging undertaking. It is not right for everyone, so it is essential that you take the time to consider every angle, consequence, and possible outcome of entering into an adoption. If you still have questions or you still believe an adoption would be right for you, contact the Amsberry Law Firm and let us work to help you bring a child into your home and provide them with all the love and joy they deserve. And don’t forget to check out Part I of this blog by clicking here.
Attorney Russell J.G. Amsberry
Attorney Russell J.G. Amsberry founded the Amsberry Law Firm in 1995 with the goal of providing clients with exceptional, focused representation on their issues. His success as a legal advocate has been reflected in the numerous professional honors he has received, such as speaking engagements and inclusion in Scene in SA magazine’s listing of the best lawyers in San Antonio, a Distinguished rating from Martindale-Hubble, and an amazing rating from Avvo. [ Attorney Bio ]
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