5 Adoption Profile Do’s and Don’ts

Some very specific things to think about including, and not including in your adoption profile.

Kira Mortenson October 03, 2014

 

Profile Do’s and Don’ts

Creating an adoption profile can be a very overwhelming task. If you are using an agency, ask to see samples of profiles to get some ideas of what you want to include in yours. There are a few things to consider putting into your profile, and a few things to leave out. Here are some adoption profile do’s and don’ts.

DON'T: Include personal Information
1. DON'T: Include personal Information

Sadly, there are quite a few sick people out there who will use your information to scam you. Whether you include your personal information or not, this can happen. But don't make it easier for them by including your phone number, exact location where you live, or your last name.

DON'T: Include Wedding Pictures
2. DON'T: Include Wedding Pictures

Your wedding was most likely (and hopefully) one of the best days of your lives. Of course you want to share pictures of the day you said "I do" with someone who could potentially be your child's birth parent. But be careful. Sometimes an expectant mother considering adoption may be in a situation where she herself wishes she was getting married. Wedding pictures may be hard for her to look at, just like seeing pregnant women can be hard for infertile women to see.

DON'T: Show too much skin in pictures
3. DON'T: Show too much skin in pictures

Pictures at the lake or beach may be important to show what you like to do together as a couple or with family, but try to use pictures where everyone is covered appropriately. It can be uncomfortable to look at people half dressed with a case worker while trying to choose a potential family for your baby.

DON'T: Use crazy unflattering pictures
4. DON'T: Use crazy unflattering pictures

It's fun to show your personalities in your profile. Halloween pictures can be fun, as can pictures of you being silly. But don't go overboard on this. Crude humor should not be used in profiles. Pictures of you pretending to do something you shouldn't should also not be used. Just keep in mind that a photo that may be funny to you or to those who know you may just look like you are a crazy person to someone who does not know you.

DON'T: Use too many pictures of you with kids
5. DON'T: Use too many pictures of you with kids

If you already have kids, of course include pictures of your kids. And also include pictures of just you two as a couple. But if you do not have kids yet, don't use a ton of pictures of you with your nieces and nephews or friend's kids. A few is cute--a bunch can get to be too much.

Do: Use colors that look good together
6. Do: Use colors that look good together

You want your profile to stand out. One of the ways you can do this is by using the right colors. It's been said that red heads look great wearing the color green. It's because they are complementary colors. Use these to your advantage in your profile.

Do: Talk about and show your pets
7. Do: Talk about and show your pets

If you have a dog, tell about your dog. Talk about how long you have had him, what his name is and how he fits into the family.

Do: Use a professional, up close picture for your main picture
9. Do: Use a professional, up close picture for your main picture

Expectant parents looking at your profile want to see who you are. You want your main picture to show you up close and look nice. It is worth the money to get professional pictures taken and pick one for your main profile picture. Candid shots are fun, too, but not for your main picture.

Do: Include what your hobbies are
10. Do: Include what your hobbies are

Talk about your hobbies. Whether it be hiking, playing tennis, going to movies, skiing or scrap booking, it is good to include this information. Potential birth parents may want to know what your family does in your spare time. They may find that you have hobbies similar to theirs and that you participate in activities they want their child to participate in.

Do: Include pictures from vacations
11. Do: Include pictures from vacations

How does your family like to vacation? Do you love going to the beach and relaxing, or are you the type of family who loves to go all day to amusement parks? National parks? Cruises? Families like to vacation very differently, and it is a big part of who you are as a couple or a family.

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Kira Mortenson

Kira became a mother through adoption twice and once through a high-risk pregnancy. She and her husband opened their hearts to open adoption five years ago and now enjoy a beautiful relationship with their children's birth mothers, who are best friends, and their son's birth father. She has served as a co-chair for a chapter of Families Supporting Adoption, and enjoys doing adoption presentations for schools in her community. When she isn't changing poopy diapers and making mac n cheese, she spends her time teaching dance, attempting to exercise, and spending time with her husband, Mike. Instagram ID: Kiralm



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