You May Be an Adoptive Parent If…

At home insemination

By: Emily Thornton

Seven years ago, my partner and I received the life-changing news that we were going to be parents. Our daughter had already arrived, and we quickly scrambled to pack our bags, make necessary calls, and travel out of state to secure custody of our little girl. Fast-forward to today, and we’re proud parents of three amazing children, all of whom were adopted at birth and across racial lines. We’ve found ourselves part of a unique community of adoptive families who often share similar experiences.

Here are 20 signs that your family was formed through adoption:

1. You can easily recognize another adoptive family in any setting, exchanging knowing glances.
2. When someone mentions something or someone as “rad,” your mind immediately goes to reactive attachment disorder.
3. You can recite adoption and fostering statistics without a second thought.
4. You’ve faced questions about whether your children are biological siblings.
5. Your family often turns heads and prompts double-takes wherever you go.
6. Phrases like “adopt a pet” or “adopt a highway” can irk you.
7. You’ve been asked how much it cost to adopt your children.
8. People have expressed, “God bless you for providing those kids a loving home,” right in front of them.
9. A stranger has inquired if your decision to adopt was influenced by celebrities like Sandra Bullock or Angelina Jolie.
10. You’ve been posed with the question of whether you plan to inform your kids about their adoption while they stand beside you.
11. Some have suggested it’s common for a woman who adopts to unexpectedly become pregnant afterward—what a surprise!
12. You’ve been asked about the country of origin for your kids, only to see confusion when you mention the state they were born in right here in the U.S.
13. You’re well-versed in acronyms like FAS, RAD, and PTSD.
14. It bothers you when people refer to you as an “adoptive” mom instead of simply your child’s mom.
15. You own multiple copies of “Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born” because friends keep gifting it to you.
16. People have complimented you on how well you look as if you just gave birth to your baby.
17. You hear others say they’ve always dreamed of adopting all the time.
18. Your children are often labeled as “lucky” to have you as their parent.
19. You’ve been asked if you plan on having your “own” biological children now that you’ve adopted.
20. Your hands are full, your heart is full, and you wouldn’t want it any other way.

Choosing adoption is a journey that requires immense patience and dedication. If you’re already on this path or considering it, my advice is simple: prepare yourself for an adventure. Grab your favorite drink, get comfortable, and embrace the journey ahead.

For more insights on family planning, consider exploring resources like this intrauterine insemination guide or check out this related article on the at-home insemination kit. And for a fun treat, don’t miss these ultimate ombre cupcakes.

In summary, being an adoptive parent comes with its own set of unique experiences and challenges. From navigating societal questions to finding connections with other adoptive families, the journey is both rewarding and transformative.