Images By Tang Ming Tung / Getty Images
Adoptioncan be a long, complicated, and emotionally draining process.
But don’t worry, these feelings are nothing to be worried about or ashamed of.
Being an adoptive parent can come with complicated feelings.
Images By Tang Ming Tung / Getty Images
Identity Conflict
Many adoptive parents struggle with conflicts of identity.
Adoptive parents may struggle with owning the role of a parent on a physical and emotional level.
This is especially common in parents who have not experienced the physical process of pregnancy.
Guilt
Guiltis a commonly experienced emotion, particularly toward the childs birth parents.
Depression and Anxiety
Many adoptive parents experience feelings of depression and anxiety after bringing their child home.
Manage Your Expectations of Parenthood
Dont build upunreasonable expectationsand set yourself up for disappointment.
Remember that perfect is unattainable, and instead, aim towards being a good enough parent.
Build a Social Support System
Parenthood isnt easy and it certainlytakes a village.
Instead, reach out to family and friends for help and advice, and to vent.
Share your anxieties, worries, and struggles with them.
Seek Help
If you need help, one option is to attend asupport groupfor adoptive parents.
Therapyis another option that can be incredibly helpful to new adoptive parents in this situation.
It can offer a safe space for you to explore your conflicting emotions.
However, you may find yourself feeling guilty, depressed, or anxious instead.
However, when the time comes, you might find yourself feeling out of your depth.
Its important to understand that youre not alone; these feelings are common among adoptive parents.
Be kind to yourself and allow for imperfections.
