Adoption means becoming a parent. Are you ready for it? We at Heimer Law want to be your biggest advocate in the adoption process. With that being said, adoption is about the well-being of a child so it is important to consider whether or not you are ready. So, here are three reasons you should wait to adopt.
1. If you are not confident in your ability and willingness to provide
Responsibility is taken to a whole new level when you become a parent. The most basic new responsibility you will have is to provide for the child. If that isn’t a given, wait to think about adoption until it is.
That said, there are no specific income requirements for adoption. Often, would-be adoptive families worry about their home studies because they think they have to show a big house and lots of material wealth. That’s not the case. The home study process can be a good way to discover whether you are ready to adopt from a financial point of view, or whether you might want to wait until you’re better established.
2. If you cannot easily point out what your values are and why you have them
Parents are not only asked to provide food, shelter, and other survival type resources to their children, but also a system of right and wrong. Parents learn quickly that the code children naturally revert to, without training, is pure hedonism. Don’t you remember living for your next candy bar? I sure do. I’m glad someone taught me to restrain myself in my pursuit of chocolaty goodness. Otherwise, I might have no more teeth, and many a grocery store might be out many candy bars.
I n Arkansas, a birth mom can specify a particular religious background for the adoptive family, so that very personal question may come up during your adoption journey. If your religious training isn’t the basis for your values, take a minute to think about how you could explain what is. That internal conversation will prepare you to discuss your philosophy of child-rearing with an expectant mom.
3. If you don’t have time to be a parent
More than anything, your child needs you. If your schedule doesn’t allow for quality time with a son or daughter, hold off on adoption until it does.
We used the word “wait” purposefully. Wait doesn’t mean either now nor never. Wait means wait. Now might not be the best time for an adoption, but you may find yourself ready well before never happens.
When you’re ready, Heimer Law can provide more information about the adoption process in the state of Arkansas.
Inquiry Form