A new beginning can give someone a fresh start. It can open doors to new possibilities, and offer new ways to experience life. Adoption has been a way for many to receive this life-affirming starting point, providing homes, families, identity, and meaning to those who have been without.
For those looking to make a change, adoption may be the answer. But what is the process of shifting from one home to another? This article will attempt to explore the process of shifting and discover the new beginnings that adoption can bring.
1. What Adoption Is and What It Can Mean
Adoption is the permanent legal transfer of parental rights and responsibilities from one family to another.
Adopting a child is a commitment to lifelong parenting. It is a decision to provide an infant or child in need with a loving family to meet the child’s physical, social, emotional, and educational needs.
This can mean anything from becoming part of an open adoption where the adoptive parents and the birth family stay in contact, to a closed adoption where the birth family’s identity is kept confidential. It can refer to:
- Domestic infant adoption, where a newborn in the United States is adopted by adoptive parents
- Relative adoption increases the number of family ties and offers a sense of stability for a child in need
- International adoption, which involves inter-country adoption procedures and immigration requirements
- Foster care adoption, which involves adopting children from foster care.
2. Overcoming Fear and Embracing Change
Fear and change – two of life’s biggest hurdles. Everyone experiences fear, from public speaking to taking risks. And change is an inevitable part of our lives. But mastering both fear and change can yield big rewards–from increased confidence to improving relationships to taking charge of our lives.
Embrace your fear, instead of avoiding it. Identify what it is that you fear most and attack it head-on. Create an actionable plan, break up objectives into smaller steps, and review your progress regularly. Taking ownership over hard tasks helps to build confidence, so write down your success!
- Create an actionable plan to overcome fear and break it up into bite-size pieces. It’s easier to tackle one step at a time.
- Review progress regularly. Set measurable progress goals and take note of your successes. Self-responsibility boosts confidence.
- Keep an open mind regarding the change. New challenges can bring excitement and adventure, and ultimately help you grow and develop.
3. Find the Right Support for Your Family
When your family goes through a tough time, it’s important to have resources on hand to help get you through it. You don’t have to go it alone. There are many people and services ready to support you and your family in times of distress.
To get the help you need:
- Seek Professional Guidance: Seek out mental health professionals—therapists, counselors, and psychologists—who specialize in helping families navigate their issues.
- Start a Support Group: Connect with family and friends for emotional and moral support. You may also want to explore local support groups such as religious organizations, clubs, and organizations that are tailored to your particular needs.
- Take Time to Renew: Take breaks by taking a vacation, going for a walk in nature, reading a book, and doing activities that bring joy and reduce stress. This can help you feel energized and able to cope.
You don’t have to go through tough times alone. With the right support, your family can emerge stronger than before.
4. The Emotional Challenges of Adoption
Adoption often comes with difficult emotional hurdles for adoptive parents and even more for the children being adopted. It is essential to be prepared and understand how to manage the emotional challenges that come with adoption.
The transition from one family to another can be incredibly hard for adopted children. They might be struggling with anxiety, confusion, and sadness.
Parents must have patience and empathy in order to try to build healthy relationships with their new children. It requires a lot of emotional investment to show them that you understand their pain and their feelings. Success may be slow, but it is attainable.
- Educate yourself on the emotions of the adoption process and how to help children express their feelings.
- Work with an expert if possible. Having a trained and knowledgeable person to talk to can be incredibly helpful in this situation.
- Ask for help from others if you find yourself overwhelmed. Having a support system is key, so reach out to family, friends, and trusted experts if need help.
5. Creating Positive Meaning in a New Home
There’s no place like home. But when settling into a new one, it may feel somewhat unfamiliar. You don’t need to wait for warmth and positive emotion to come to you; create it!
It’s no difficult task, and it can be the difference between a space that feels drab and lifeless and one that enlivens and radiates. Here are some tips:
- Scents – Beat the blank slate blues with your favorite aromatics. Candles, essential oil diffusers, incense, and air fresheners can fill up an environment with cozy vibes.
- Plants – Natural elements are lovely for breathing life into barren spaces. Whether it’s an easy-to-care-for potted succulent or an indoor garden, houseplants naturally add beauty and serenity to your new home.
- Family Photos – Coming home should be filled with homey, familiar elements. Hang framed photographs of you, your loved ones, and old friends around the space.
There’s no limit to the ways you can make an unfamiliar dwelling into a happily lived-in abode. From homemade quilts and throw pillows to framed artwork and newly purchased furniture, bring in items that make you think of the best times and an optimistic future.
With a bit of thoughtfulness, a new home can become a special place to call your own.
Conclusion
Adoption is not only an incredible journey for adoptees and adopted families, but a beautiful bridge between generations, uniting families and giving both groups the opportunity to experience the joys of new beginnings that only come with the shared journey of adoption.
Through this bond of love, connection, and understanding, we are shown the incredible power of gaining a family through adoption and the potential it holds for both parties.