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?

Let a caring adoption counselor at A Gift of Hope Adoptions help you decide and walk you through the process of talking to your kids. Call us at (888) 564-HOPE (4673).

Look at Your Options First

Before discussing your pregnancy with your kids, learn your options first. Children need to feel confident that you have a plan. We can review your current situation and help you find the best path forward.

Am I Able to Parent Another Child?

So many factors determine your ability to add another child to your family. Here are a few questions to consider:

• What does my relationship look like with the biological father of this child?
• Will the biological father help me financially?
• Do I have the financial resources alone to raise another child?
• What assistance would I need to parent this child?
• Can I continue working or going to school?
• Is there someone who can help me physically and emotionally?

We can help you find some of the physical resources you need if you decide to parent.

Should I Place This Child for Adoption?

Today’s adoption process is very different from a few decades ago. Today, an expectant mother or birth mother makes all the decisions. She selects the adoptive couple and the future she wants her child to have.

Many women currently raising other children choose to make an adoption plan for their unplanned pregnancy. Depending on the age of your children, you can involve them in the process. Adoption costs you nothing and, in most cases, provides complete medical and legal assistance.

A social worker from A Gift of Hope Adoptions can help you explain to your children the many benefits of making an adoption plan and help them realize you are making this choice because you love all of your children.

For more information about discussing adoption with your other kids, read How Do You Navigate Adoption When You Already Have Children? and 5 Tips for Managing an Unexpected Pregnancy as a Current Parent.

Talking to Your Kids

You can help your kids learn that facing challenges in life is normal. Be willing to be vulnerable and share this difficulty. A lot depends on your children’s age. If they’re young, they may not understand the impact of another child.

Older children will understand the challenge and learn that every decision has consequences. It can be a life lesson that significantly impacts their future choices.

Your relationship with the biological father of this child also plays a role. If the father is no longer involved in your life or your relationship is unhealthy, your kids will have a better understanding of the difficulties you are facing. Be honest and willing to be open.

Depending on their age, ask your children for their opinion. It lets them know you care about how they feel.

Review your options with them. They need to know you want the best for all of your children, and your decision will be based on giving everyone the best opportunity to succeed.

Schedule a Free Appointment with A Gift of Hope

Please contact us for assistance. You can complete our online Contact Form or call us at (888) 564-HOPE (4673). No matter what you decide, there is hope for a brighter future, and we can help you.

This blog is for informational purposes only. This is not legal or medical advice. While we try our best to reflect current laws with accuracy at the time of writing, please note the laws can change over time.