Adopt a child: Is it right for you?
Is your frustration to have a child taking over you? Do you think it is time to adopt a child? Are you ready for the responsibility or do you simply want to have a child? What prospective adoptive parents must realize is that adoption is a lifelong commitment.
Adoption is more of a personal decision rather than an internal issue. It is no walk in the park to adopt a child, not to mention that the high costs of adoption makes many couples back off. And what comes after adoption is the responsibility and obligations of a parent that are relinquished to you by the birthmother. Parenting in itself is one of the most challenging jobs in the world. Thus, you need to be prepared for the ups and downs of being a parent of an adopted child. When you're not psychologically prepared for these, it's best to defer adoption to a later time.
Thousands of married couples as well as singles choose to adopt a child for several reasons, one of which is to build a family of their own. There are right and wrong reasons for choosing to adopt a child and it's important to address them carefully.
Wrong reasons to adopt a child
Bringing home an infant or an older child who would bring life to your home is a wonderful thing. But not all prospective adoptive parents share the same aim. If you're trying to adopt a child to save a marriage then forget about adoption. You're not giving the child the assurance of a loving and nurturing family.
In addition, do not look into adoption if you're trying to provide someone an heir, out of jealousy because all your friends have babies and you don't, if it's due to external pressures such as those coming from your parents.
Adoption today isn't like how it was decades ago. Adoption agencies are now required to obtain state licenses to operate and not everyone qualify to adopt a child. Some agencies, both public and private, can be selective in choosing prospective adoptive parents while children are now protected more than ever with stringent laws.
Who can adopt a child?
Affluence does not automatically qualify you to adopt a child. Rather, the agency ensures you can provide a child's basic needs, such as stability, lifetime commitment, permanence, and the opportunity to be part of a loving family. Any histories of divorce, counseling (personal or marital), and physical disability does not reduce your chances of adoption.
Adoption can be a noble undertaking when pursued for the right reasons. Visit your nearest adoption agency for more information on how to adopt a child.
