Some families set out to adopt multiple children simultaneously, whether they be siblings, children from the same orphanage, or simply unrelated children. Other families begin by seeking one child but end up adopting multiple children because the children are siblings or they fall in love with more than one child. Adopting multiple children can be extremely rewarding, both for you and the children. It can also present some challenges. The following is a look at some of the issues to be aware of when considering adopting multiple children.
Be Prepared for an Adjustment Period
Whether you adopt one or multiple children, there will be a period during which the child(ren) adjust to you, your home, your culture, and one another. Children, particularly older children, may be overwhelmed with the changes experienced, which may include differing sights, sounds, feels, tastes, and even a different language for the internationally adopted children. Adopting multiple children does not create adjustment problems; rather, it results in more children needing to adjust. Some children will do so fairly quickly and easily, while others might struggle.
You should anticipate spending considerable time assisting each child in settling in. Your children may arrive with unanticipated health needs, food issues, sleep issues, or emotional issues. Know yourself and your ability to handle multiple children with varying needs. If you feel called to adopt multiple children and have the time, energy, and resources to make it through the adjustment period, you will be well rewarded for your efforts.
Be Prepared for Disagreements and Personality Clashes
Even if you adopt siblings, be prepared for some arguments, disagreements, and personality clashes. Not all siblings get along well. Not all children adopted from the same orphanage or of the same culture will get along well. However, with guidance and love, your adopted children will learn to love and play well with one another.
It is best to begin by simply observing your children’s interactions with one another and with any other children in the household. This will help you to understand their strengths and weaknesses in interpersonal relationships. Once you have a full understanding of their relationships between each other, you can determine a course of action to guide them towards more positive relationships.
Even those children that get along fantastically, whether adopted or biological, will undoubtedly have their moments of disagreeing. Anticipate these times, do not be troubled by them, but be prepared to work through them in a calm and rational manner.
Know Your Family and Your Expectations
Adopting multiple children simultaneously will increase your workload, so start by making an honest evaluation of your family and your expectations. Do you already have children in the home? How do they get along? Are you prepared for a challenging adjustment period? How much time do you have to devote to the new children’s adjustment? These are all some questions to ask yourself when considering adopting multiple children at once. With that being said, if you have the desire, time, and patience to adopt a sibling group or more than one child at once, your family will benefit greatly from doing so.
McDowell Chartered: Assisting You With Multi-Children Adoptions
Adopting more than one child is a worthy goal and can bring much joy to your family. Additional complexities may be involved in multiple children adoptions, and you will need the assistance of an experienced adoption attorney to ensure that each adoption progresses smoothly to its ultimate swift completion. The Kansas Adoption Attorneys at McDowell Chartered have assisted countless Kansas families through the adoption process, often helping those that seek to adopt multiple children. We provide the guidance and assistance you need to successfully build your family. For attorneys of unmatched dedication, call McDowell Chartered today at (316) 633-4322 for an initial consultation.