Parenthood is a difficult enough choice for most couples, and adoption is an even bigger decision. It’s only natural that one of the partners in a relationship will be unsure about the process – at least in the beginning, and sometimes for longer than that.
Find out what is worrying your partner about the adoption idea. Is it the cost? Your ability to be parents? Or whether you will love a child that’s not ‘yours’ as much? Make sure that you listen to the responses your partner gives you when you ask those kinds of questions – they’re as valid as your desire to adopt!
Tell your partner that you are interested in adoption, and that you are going to be researching the process and the concept. Ask whether you can share your information with them, but don’t force the issue. Your relationship will be very important if you do decide to adopt, so make sure you still spend time together as a couple, and don’t let the issue of adoption come between you.
If you can, arrange to attend support group meetings for adoptive families. The experience of spending time with adoptive families can help to make the concept more real for your partner.
However, remember that adoption is not a viable option unless you’re both on board, and this can take time. Whatever you do, give your partner time to think about the idea, and don’t try to force or coerce them into adopting.
Find out what is worrying your partner about the adoption idea. Is it the cost? Your ability to be parents? Or whether you will love a child that’s not ‘yours’ as much? Make sure that you listen to the responses your partner gives you when you ask those kinds of questions – they’re as valid as your desire to adopt!
Tell your partner that you are interested in adoption, and that you are going to be researching the process and the concept. Ask whether you can share your information with them, but don’t force the issue. Your relationship will be very important if you do decide to adopt, so make sure you still spend time together as a couple, and don’t let the issue of adoption come between you.
If you can, arrange to attend support group meetings for adoptive families. The experience of spending time with adoptive families can help to make the concept more real for your partner.
However, remember that adoption is not a viable option unless you’re both on board, and this can take time. Whatever you do, give your partner time to think about the idea, and don’t try to force or coerce them into adopting.
