7 Adoption Goals for 2016

Some adoptions aren’t picture perfect. Sometimes people have to accept that their children’s birth parents aren’t in the same place as them. This may mean loving them can sometimes be difficult. If they are making poor choices that you don’t agree with, it doesn’t mean condoning those choices, but rather loving and accepting them regardless.

While it’s no secret I LOVE adoption, it doesn’t mean I don’t have my own set of goals or things I’d like to improve upon. My relationship with my son’s birth parents is wonderful . . . but every great relationship still needs work! I’d love to continue growing our open adoption relationship with better communication and getting to know them more on a personal level.

As time passes, we may forget to stay in contact as often as we’d like. Jobs, children’s activities, school work, friends, and family all play a role in letting time slip by. If you have a goal of getting in contact more often, you can set an appointment on your calendar as a reminder.

Sometimes adoption is tough. If you are waiting to adopt or awaiting finalization, giving yourself a little grace when you have moments of panic (or total freakout) is a good gift. Be patient with yourself and those around you. No one ever claimed adoption was easy . . . at least not anyone who has actually taken that journey.

Embrace the hiccups that can be thrown your way in adoption. Whether it’s a failed placement, a financial hurdle, a bump in the open adoption relationship or other trials, take a moment to regroup and then get back on the saddle.

One of the most common adoption goals I have seen from people in support groups surround the relationship they have with their children’s birth parents. Whether they are at fault or the birth parent has withdrawn, getting the triad on track for a healthy relationship is so important.

My top adoption goals for 2016 are to broaden my relationship with my son’s birth family, obtain pictures of them from their childhood to share with my son over time, work on my own personal insecurities in my role as his mother, and in general continue striving for open adoption education at Heart For Open Adoption.

What are your adoption goals for 2016 and how will you make sure your goals are reached?