Adoption can be a great way to expand your family and extend love and support to a child in need. If you’re thinking about adopting a child, though, you might find yourself worried about many aspects of the process. In fact, a general unfamiliarity with it can create feelings of unease and stress. But you can demystify the adoption process by reading up on it and educating yourself as to its nuances.
In this post, we want to look at some of the myths that have been perpetrated about the adoption process so that you’re not left confused about some key aspects. Hopefully then you’ll have a better sense of what to expect moving forward with the process and what you need to do to position yourself and your child for a successful post-adoption transition.
Tops myths about the adoption process
There are a lot of myths out there about the adoption process. If you buy into them, then you could be dissuaded from one of the most rewarding processes life has to offer. With that in mind, here are some myths that you’ll want to be looking for:
- You have to be married to adopt: This certainly isn’t true. Single individuals adopt children all the time. If you have love to give and the financial means to raise a child, then you should be able to start the process.
- Adoption is expensive: Like anything else, the cost of adoption can run the gamut. Private international adoptions can be more expensive in some instances, but adoptions out of foster care are often at little to no cost for the adoptive parent. Don’t let your fears of prohibitive costs prevent you from exploring whether adoption is right for you.
- Adopted kids have behavioral, emotional, and psychological issues: Some adopted children do end up having issues that need to be addressed through therapy and other forms of medical treatment. But most children who are adopted are completely healthy. In many instances, before adopting you’ll have a chance to review the child’s medical records and gain a sense of their family history. That way you’ll know what to expect as far as the child’s potential medical issues.
- It’s difficult to work with biological parents: First, it’s important to note that once parental rights are terminated, the biological parents can’t come back and take the child. Second, many adoptions are open in nature in that the child knows their biological parents and even has regular contact with them. This can be a healthy and supportive way to raise a child. If, however, there are safety concerns about the biological parents, then you can find ways to minimize their access.
- Adopting a child from a different ethnical or cultural background is bad for the child: Research has shown that children who are adopted into families of different ethnicities and cultural backgrounds adjust well and still oftentimes manage to retain a strong sense of identity and self-esteem.
Do you want to learn more about what the adoption process entails?
If so, then continue reading up on the process and its nuances. By doing so, you’ll hopefully have a better idea of what to expect from the process and what you can do to prepare yourself and your child for success.
We know that the process can still be stressful. After all, there’s a certain level of uncertainty to it all. But you can find support throughout the process from your family, friends, attorney, and support groups. So, embrace what you’re about to face and prepare to embark on a rewarding journey.