Adoption is sometimes seen as an option specifically for couples who are unable to have children of their own. While adoption does provide a great opportunity for couples with fertility challenges to raise a family, the choice of adopting is available to any loving, stable home.
That includes couples who already have children of their own.
There are a number of reasons why a couple with biological children might choose to adopt. Some may simply want to provide a home for a child in need. Others may be beyond the age of having any more biological children, choosing instead to adopt.
Whatever the reason, choosing to adopt a child and bring them into a loving home is a great choice to make. However, there are a few things to consider, as well as a few actions to take, depending on the current age of your biological children.
Talking to Your Biological Child About Adoption
If you currently have a child that’s old enough to have a conversation with, explain the situation to them. See how they feel about it. Understanding the adoption process can be difficult for a young child to understand. One effective option is to use a movie or a book that they’re familiar with that features adoption.
This will not only help them understand the concept, but it could make them more excited about the prospect.
If your child is older, it’s critical that they’re supportive of the choice, and that they’re ready to be a helpful older sibling.
Raising an Adopted Child with Biological Children
The dynamic between adopted and biological children can vary, depending on the age differences. Whatever your situation may be, you’ll want to be very intentional with how certain situations are handled. Sibling conflict and rivalries are a natural part of virtually every family. You’ll need to be very attentive to the feelings and reactions of your adopted child as they grow. Despite everything you do, it can be easy for them to feel distanced or even less loved.
However, some parents might try to overcorrect this to the point where their biological child feels neglected. You’ll need to consistently strive to show equal love and attention, as any parent should.
You’ll also need to be mindful of physical, and possibly culture differences. Even if your children are the same race, more differences will arise as they grow older. While proper nurturing can result in non-biological siblings acting remarkably similar, there will ultimately be differences.
This is completely okay.
Every child is different from the next, regardless of whether or not they come from the same family. Appreciate and celebrate these differences.
Getting Ready to Adopt
If you’re ready to adopt a child, or if you’re just considering it, you’ll want to connect with an adoption agency. They’ll be able to help you understand the process, while answering any questions or concerns you may have about your situation.
It’s important to understand that most children waiting for adoption have certain hopes set in place by their biological family. This is part of their adoption plan, designed to ensure their child ends up in the type of home they want to them raised in.
Some biological parents may actually prefer a family that has children of their own already, biological or otherwise. Others may want their child to be adopted by a family with no current children. Ultimately, if you’re ready to provide a loving, stable home for another child, there will be someone who chooses to have you raise their child.
At Choosing Hope Adoptions, we can help make that connection. We work side-by-side with both expecting parents and waiting families. For an adoption agency in Cincinnati, Columbus, and the rest of Ohio, contact Choosing Hope Adoptions today!