Celebrating similarities and differences with ethnicity and adoption

When most couples plan to start a family, they imagine what their children will look like and often picture small-but-ideal versions of themselves or their spouse. Even if our children don’t look perfect, we recognize something of ourselves or our family in their appearance. However, adoptive parents have to decide whether they want a child who looks similar to them or an interracial child. This is where ethnicity and adoption come into play.

Looking at the melting pot with ethnicity and adoption

Whether you’re adopting a baby in Dallas, across the country or abroad, you are bound to be faced with options that reflect the population of that area. The melting pot of America is home to children who are white, yellow, brown, black and every beautiful shade in between.

When you apply to adopt a baby in Dallas, or Texas in general, you’ll be asked if you would welcome a baby of the following races or ethnicities.

• Asian
• Black
• Hispanic
• Native American
• White
• Multi-Racial

Nature or nurture: Creating a new family legacy

The things you pass on to your children include much more than skin color and genetic blueprints. This baby will be raised with your values, secure in knowing that he or she is safe and loved. Parents who stress education, exercise fairness, embrace a sense of humor and nurture the unique talents of each child will see themselves reflected in a well-adjusted child.

Life is full of surprises

Of course, there are no guarantees with any child – whether they carry your DNA or are adopted. Every parent will tell you that there are good days and bad. Some days you’ll be proud that your child emulates you and other days you will wonder what planet the child is from!

As the adoptive parent of an interracial child, you will inevitably get questions about your child’s race, birth parents, background and even the cost of adoption. This is the truth about ethnicity and adoption. But if you’re ready to deflect rude questions, prepare an answer and embrace the differences in your child, you will see that your child reflects your best qualities.

Our Texas adoption agency works with all races of birth parents. Whether you want a child that looks like you or want to start an interracial family, contact us to learn more about adopting a baby in Dallas, Houston, El Paso, Austin and throughout Texas.

To learn more about the services we provide, please contact a counselor at our Texas adoption agency at (817) 704-0239.