Parenting means the same thing whether you adopt or have a child biologically. It means you must make a permanent commitment to love, support and nurture another for the rest of your life.
Although you may have planned to adopt for some time, it never hurts to consider or reconsider your situation as you get closer to your goal. That way, you can feel confident about your decision and your readiness to become a full-time parent.
1. Your motivation for adopting
Have you thought about your innermost reasons for wanting to adopt a child? When the root of your desire is to build a family to love or to give kids without family love and kinship, your reasons are sound.
Adopting because someone pressured you into it or without due thought is nearly always unwise for you and the child.
2. Your current and near-future lifestyle
Are you ready to accept the responsibility that comes with adopting a child? Those who have settled into life as responsible adults are usually well-prepared to adopt a child and give them a stable, loving home.
If you still enjoy the nightlife or like to travel on a whim, decide if you want to give up some of that for the responsibilities of parenthood.
3. Your level of support
Do you have few family members and close friends to rely on in stressful circumstances? Most have found it invaluable to have a strong support network to help meet the challenges of raising a new child.
Although it is certainly possible to parent effectively without such a support system, ask yourself if you can handle the challenge alone or nearly alone.
If you still feel ready to adopt and love a child, a good next step is to learn more about the state laws that govern adoption.
