Sometimes pregnancies are unplanned or come at a time in your life where you just aren’t able to give your child the life you want them to have. Choosing adoption for your child doesn’t mean you’re giving him or her away or that you don’t love them. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. You are showing your love in the most sacrificial way you can and giving your baby a future.
Here are some of the top advantages your child will receive by being adopted:
#1: A Safe and Stable Home
Adoptive parents go through a thorough pre-screening phase and must meet strict requirements before they are allowed to adopt. They must prove they are financially stable, physically able, and emotionally ready to raise an adopted child. Because of this, they are able to provide your child with a safe and stable home to grow up in and the financial security to not worry about what comes next.
#2: Increased Opportunities
Another benefit to choosing adoption is that most adoptive parents typically have a higher income or earning potential. A 2010 study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that over 53% of adoptive families had a household income of $60,000 or more and 75% had some sort of college degree. Those numbers have likely grown even higher over the last decade. Education and setting up the child for success are also extremely important with adoptive families. Because of this, many adopted children enjoy the following benefits:
- Having their parents read or sing to them often as a young child
- Getting to travel or go on numerous vacations or trips
- Being able to participate in sports and other extracurricular activities
- Taking private lessons or working with a tutor
- Getting the support they need to excel in school and score well in reading, language arts, and math
- Having access to financial support for college and other higher education
#3: A Healthier Lifestyle
Adopted children also tend to be very healthy. One study found that over 85% of adopted children are in very good or excellent health. Fresh, well-balanced meals and good health insurance likely play a big part in this, but having access to these benefits leads to better health habits growing up and healthier outcomes overall as they grow older.
#4: Siblings or a Large Family
Because you can choose who you place your child with in an open adoption, you also get to look at how many brothers and sisters, cousins, and extended family your child will have. Growing up with siblings (or even close cousins) creates lifelong friendships and will help your child interact better with others. Be sure to ask about the involvement of grandmas, grandpas, aunts, and uncles, too! A close-knit family is a huge benefit and will give you peace of mind knowing your child has such a strong, loving support system.
#5: More People to Love Him or Her
When you choose an open adoption, you’re not cutting your child off from the love you give. You’re simply expanding it to a larger circle that will care for and raise him or her. For some adopted kids that means they enjoy having a two-parent home. It can also mean they get more one-on-one time with their adopted families because they have a stay-at-home parent. Adding in your unique relationship as the birth parent enriches that circle of love and support they need throughout life.
