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Growing a family raises many emotions, questions, fears and dreams. When is the right time? Can we afford another child? What about our children already home; how will they feel? All of these are valid questions and just about every parent who thinks about adding to their family goes through periods of unending questions. Us adoptive parents have it a little different…Should we adopt from the same country? What age child should we request? Will our other children travel with us? How can we raise the funds to finance our adoption? Over the next few posts I will address these issues as I share some information about adding another child to your family.
It is really difficult to define “being ready.” It means different things to different people. To some it means being financially secure, owning a home and having a two year gap in ages between children. Others may feel ready when they see their child’s face on a waiting children photolisting, and regardless of what’s going on in their life, are instantly ready. Still others will feel ready as long as they are somewhat settled in a job and home and feel ready to add another child to the mix.
Adopting again is a very personal decision and one to be made by your immediate family. Outside influences can just make you doubt your gut instinct, so try to avoid them. Only you, your partner and your children will know when your family is ready to grow. By taking into account the projected wait time given by your agency, you may have a year or two to ready yourself before your new child would actually come home. I think it’s a great idea to include your children in the adoption process. If they were adopted, they’ll have a better idea of what you did to adopt them and feel a greater connection to their new sibling.
So, how did you know when it was the right time to add another chair to the dinner table?
More Reading:
We’re At It Again
Deciding to Adopt a Second Time
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