Our Texas adoption agency offers advice on how to talk to family about adoption
Are you wondering how to talk to family about adoption? Whether you’re an expectant parent considering adoption, or a hopeful parent waiting to adopt, chances are you’ve been hit with tough questions from those who love you most.
The counselors at our Texas adoption agency know that what is intended as protection often feels like judgment. Hopefully, we can offer some insight and advice.
Why is adoption hard for others to understand?
If you are an expectant parent, your family may wonder if and how you’ll be able to part with your baby. They fear that you’ll lose your control to an adoption agency or the adoptive couple. They don’t know what their role should be in the process.
If you are a waiting family, you are likely wondering how to talk to family about adoption as well. People wonder about your past infertility. They worry about more risks and what your relationship with the birth family will look like. Your loved ones will also wonder what their role is in the process. Notice that the common fears here are twofold. These include fear for your wellbeing and not knowing how to help.
A guide on how to talk to family about adoption
To abate the fears your family may have, the counselors at our Texas adoption agency recommend educating them on modern adoption practices.
- Remind your loved ones that the expectant mother is in the driver’s seat of the adoption, from deciding who will parent to determining the hospital plan.
- Today, birth and adoptive families have ongoing communication. This can include pictures, letters, emails, phone calls and visits.
- Adoptees know they were adopted and admire their birth parents. As a result, most modern adoptees are well-adjusted and have positive feelings towards their birth mother.
- If you choose a licensed agency with a reputable history, then you will be in good hands throughout the process.
When family wonders how to help
When your family wonders what their role is, give them specific directions. An expectant mom might offer, “You could bring me meals,” or “Can you help me look for maternity clothes?”
If you are a waiting parent, you can ask for help in multiple ways. Many friends and family enjoy putting on a fundraiser for adoption costs, or helping you compile your photo or video profile.
In planning how to talk to family about adoption, it is wise to have a supportive counselor on your side. For more information about adoption, give Legacy a call at (214) 380-0888.
