Adoptive parents have unique opportunities to celebrate special milestones with their adopted child. Here are three ways to honor and remember your child’s adoption, biological family, and the wonderful memories adoption creates. Celebrate “Gotcha Day” The excitement, relief, and anticipation that adoptive parents feel when the courts finalize their child’s adoption is a reason to
It doesn’t matter whether you’re an adoptive or birth parent or an adoptee; expectations abound in adoption. Giving everyone the freedom to voice those expectations is critical for healthy relationships. Here are a few strategies that may help mend some fences. It Is Okay to Have Boundaries Today, open or semi-open adoptions are the norm.
As you quietly shared the news about your pregnancy, your partner, a family member, or a friend most likely gave their opinion about what you should do. Usually, those closest to you offer their opinions because they care about you. But what do you do when an opinion feels like pressure? Having an abortion is
Sibling rivalry is as old as time. Remember the Bible story in Genesis of Cain and Abel? Jealousy between biological and adopted siblings can be devastating for a family. The best way to deal with potential jealousy is to discuss the upcoming changes before the sibling arrives. Paving the way openly and honestly can help
As a mother, you know the time, energy, and resources it takes to raise kids. It can be hard, really hard. If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy while already raising other kids, you have a big decision to make. What is best for you this time: making an adoption plan or parenting another child?
Adoption can be stressful for everyone in the family. No one knows what to expect because it’s new and unfamiliar territory. Preparing your children for the arrival of their adopted sibling is critical. Here are a few tips to get you started. Talk with Them About Adoption While You Wait “Hurry up and wait” is
Often, when discovering an unplanned pregnancy, women panic and think abortion is the only option. However, having an abortion can cause physical and emotional consequences. You should consider your other options: making an adoption plan or choosing to parent. Right about now, you may be saying, “No way. I couldn’t give my child up for
Discovering an unexpected pregnancy can be quite a shock, especially when you already have other children. Like all mothers, you know the incredible amount of time, energy, and finances required to raise a family today. Adding another little one depletes your resources even more. How do you manage the stress? Here are five suggestions for
As an expectant mother or birth mother, you have very clear rights. One of those rights is the ability to change your mind about making an adoption plan for your child. Choosing adoption is a challenging decision, and you need to be completely confident that it is the best choice. Before you sign the Consent
Choosing to place your child for adoption as an expectant mother or a mother who has already given birth is an emotionally difficult decision. It isn’t an easy choice. You love your child and want what is best for them, but because of that love, choosing adoption is one of the most challenging decisions you
The adoption process varies from state to state. Sadly, there are some untrustworthy adoption coordinators out there. Whether you are an expectant mother considering adoption or a potential adoptive couple, keep an eye out for some definite red flags. Are They Licensed? A reputable adoption agency is fully licensed within the state where it operates.
When considering adoption for your unplanned pregnancy, there are many important questions to ask. A common concern for many women is about getting the biological father’s permission to place their baby for adoption. Unfortunately, the answer is complicated and changes with each situation and state. As a result, working with a licensed adoption agency like
Funding adoption has always been a hot-button topic. Questions like, “Why is it so expensive?” “Do mothers get paid to place their babies for adoption?” and “Where does the money go?” are just the tip of the iceberg. Adoption expenses can vary greatly depending on the type of adoption, who you choose to work with,
One of the biggest questions when making an adoption plan for your child is who will raise them. As the expectant mother or birth mother, you have the option to select the potential adoptive parents. Many couples and families are waiting to adopt. At A Gift of Hope Adoptions, we have access to potential adoptive
Adoption laws are different in every state, and a birth father’s rights vary depending on each state’s laws. In Missouri, the courts require consent from both the birth mother and father to release a child for adoption. However, there are exceptions. Keep reading to learn more. Is He the Legal Father? In Missouri, an unmarried
As a caring mother, you want the best for all your children. So it’s tough when you find out you’re unexpectedly pregnant again while struggling to care for the children you already have. More than anyone else, you understand the cost and time necessary to raise your kids. There is only so much of you
Deciding what to do about an unexpected pregnancy is one of the most significant decisions you will ever make. You have three choices: have an abortion, make an adoption plan, or choose to parent. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of placing your child for adoption for you and your child. The Benefits
When grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, older siblings, or other “kin” step in to raise children who can no longer stay with a biological parent, it’s known as kinship care. Others in a close family-like relationship, such as godparents or close family friends, can also be considered for kinship care. As of September 2023, over 2.4
If you are considering placing your child for adoption in Missouri, learning the process is critical to feel confident about your decision. Adoption isn’t a one-time event. It is a lifetime choice for you and your child. We want to fully inform you at A Gift of Hope Adoptions. The earliest you can release your
Doctors divide pregnancies into trimesters. At 39 weeks, a pregnancy is considered full-term. If you are in your second trimester, you are between 13 and 27 weeks, limiting your options. You do have choices, though. Consider the following as some of your options. Placing Your Child for Adoption We understand it’s hard to consider carrying