You made the decision to adopt and your spouse or significant other is on board…but what about your biological children? Children can become jealous even when their parent is pregnant with another child so explaining the adoption process and how to be accepting of a new sibling is not easy but it can and has been done successfully before. Here are some tips:
- Provide reassurances that let your child know that their life is not being replaced only enhanced with providing a loving home for another child. Explain that you all have big hearts and how there is room to love and include others in your family structure
- Explain the adopted child’s story and how difficult it would be for someone to be coming into a family that they do not know and how to make the child feel welcomed and comfortable.
- Work as a family on discussing ways to make the adopted child feel at home. Have your child or children prepare the room for their new sibling. Include them in as many ways as possible to ensure an easy transition
If you need assistance with any part of the adoption process do not hesitate to reach out to us at Wolverine Human Services