There are many reasons why people choose to become a foster or adoptive parent. For example, perhaps you have always dreamed of having a large family, but your fertility experience has been difficult. Or maybe you just love children and want to help out as many as possible. Whatever your reasoning, the world needs foster and adoptive parents. If you have already had biological children, you may wonder how adopting another child may affect their experience. To help you make a decision that will affect your family, there are a few things you may want to consider.

If you already have a biological child, here are a few things you may want to think about doing before you bring home a foster or adopted child. 

Discuss the Decision with Your Children

Before you bring home a new child, you should discuss the decision to adopt with your biological children. This is especially true if your children are old enough to really understand what is happening. They need to understand where your decision stems from so that they understand that they are not getting replaced and that nothing is wrong. It may seem obvious to you that you still love and respect your children, but make sure they know it. They may need help to understand what adoption means, or how it will affect your relationship with them. 

Explain Adoption

There are many videos online that can help you to explain adoption to your children. Make sure that they understand it will not change your loving relationship. Help them to feel secure with welcoming another child into the family. 

Prepare Your Child or Their Sibling

Depending on how many children you have, your child may or may not understand what it will be like to have a younger sibling. You can prepare them for their new role by getting them excited about the responsibility. There are several popular books about becoming a big brother or big sister. Getting them a shirt or some other memento that has their new title on it can help them to feel more official, and encourage them to look forward to their role. Depending on the child's age, it can also help to give them some responsibilities in caring for their new sibling. 

In conclusion, it is totally possible to have a cohesive and united family after adoption. Discussion and preparation can help to prepare your family for the change that is to come, just as you would with another biological child. May your family prove stronger after your new addition. 

For more information, reach out to a service that facilitates child adoption and fostering.  

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