As a caring mother, you want the best for all your children. So it’s especially difficult when you discover you’re unexpectedly pregnant again. How do you provide for a baby while struggling to care for the children you already have?

Consider placing this child for adoption with A Loving Option Adoption. Our caring counselors are ready to walk you through this emotional time. Let’s discuss your situation and see if making an adoption plan is right for you and your family.

Making an Adoption Plan

As the expectant mother, you plan for your child’s future. Here are some of the benefits of choosing adoption:

• It costs you nothing to use our adoption services.
• You can select the adoptive couple who will raise your child, if you would like.
• You choose the amount of contact you and your family want with your child and their adoptive family.
• You and your family receive adoption counseling and emotional support.
• All of your medical and legal expenses are covered.
• You may also be eligible for reasonable and legitimate pregnancy-related costs depending on your needs. 

Talking to Your Children

More than anything, you want your children to know they are loved and wanted. Wait until you have decided that adoption is the best option before telling your children. When you talk to them about placing their sibling or half-sibling with another family, you must be confident that it is the best choice.

Here are some suggestions for beginning the conversation:

Honesty is Always the Best Policy

Honest and open communication is essential. Your children need to know they can talk to you about the adoption. Depending on the age of your children, share the struggles you’re having and why adoption is best for this next child. 

No matter what, continue to remind your children that you love them and they will always be with you. Reassure them regularly that you’re choosing adoption because you love all your children and want to make sure everyone is well cared for.

Use Age-Appropriate Explanations

If your children are very young, choose age-appropriate books from the library to present the idea of adoption. Movies like Elf or Annie can also help start a conversation. You can even role-play with their dolls or stuffed animals. 

Although this child was unexpected, never use the term “unwanted.” Many people refer to adoption as “giving up a baby.” Use terms like “making an adoption plan” or “placing them for adoption” instead.

Get Your Kids Involved

If your children are older, let them help choose the potential adoptive family. If you select an open or semi-open adoption, include your kids in meetings or correspondence with the adoptive family.

When it’s time to give birth, let your children purchase a special toy or create cards to send with their baby brother or sister. 

Adoption is for a lifetime. Continue talking with your children. Share photos and letters you receive from the adoptive family. Don’t be afraid to show emotion. Your kids need to know this was a difficult decision for you.

How A Loving Option Adoption Can Help You

Telling your children about adoption can be emotional and stressful, but our counselors will help you have those essential conversations. We offer free adoption counseling for the whole family throughout the process and beyond. 

If you would like to discuss placing your child for adoption, please fill out our confidential online contact form or call or text (865) 684-1894. We’re here to help.