Parentpedia

What Experts Say

If you're adopting internationally or through the foster care system, you'll need to consider what age child you'd like to parent. There is a tremendous need for parents willing to take on the special challenges of parenting an older child and if this is something you're able to do, your adoption may go much more quickly.

Richard Mintzer, author of Yes, You Can Adopt!, says it's a good idea to find counseling professionals adept at helping families with adoption issues before you bring your child home. Having a support system lined up ahead of time will make things easier since you won't need to scramble to find someone if challenges crop up later. Besides, meeting with someone beforehand can help prepare you....

If you're adopting internationally or through the foster care system, you'll need to consider what age child you'd like to parent. There is a tremendous need for parents willing to take on the special challenges of parenting an older child and if this is something you're able to do, your adoption may go much more quickly.

Richard Mintzer, author of Yes, You Can Adopt!, says it's a good idea to find counseling professionals adept at helping families with adoption issues before you bring your child home. Having a support system lined up ahead of time will make things easier since you won't need to scramble to find someone if challenges crop up later. Besides, meeting with someone beforehand can help prepare you.

"You want to be well versed in how you're going to talk about adoption to the child and be able to talk about and deal with the transition from their previous home to yours," Mintzer explains.

In other words, on-the-job training is made easier if you get some prep time first.

A note about language issues: If you'll be adopting an older child internationally, line up your translators now. If you live near a college or university you may be able to find help there. Otherwise, talk to your agency about finding someone who can help translate who you can phone occasionally.

What Do You Say?

Add a Question or Write an Answer

Most Recent Contributors:

Jun 18, 2008 at 4:12:51 PM

see all

Helpful Resources

Tell Your Story

Sweetmomma79
October 08, 2008

A strong bond unbroken.

Hi! I am here to tell you how I adopted my 2 daughters. Unfortunately there is not enough space here for all details. My husband is the biological father of the children. His ex the bio Mother actually had full custody of both children...  read more

Not Acceptable?

showryraju
April 16, 2008

Francis

Hi Adoption is difficult one for adopting parents. It is hard to understand childs feeding timings and other details

Not Acceptable?