Tips and Advice for a Transracial Adoption

A transracial adoption can be scary for both the birth mother and the adoptive parent. There are many factors to consider and that can seem overwhelming. But don’t worry. Feeling anxious or nervous is completely natural. You are not alone. Adoption Choices of Texas is here to support you every step of the way. We want to make sure that you have the most positive and empowering adoption journey possible, and that all parties get matched the best as possible too. Our compassionate and highly trained staff are ready to do whatever we can.

As you begin your transracial adoption journey, it’s important to acknowledge and understand the motivations you have behind your choice. Why are you considering transracial adoption? Are you prepared for everything that this type of adoption entails? As soon as you are assigned to an adoption professional at our agency, be sure to ask any and all questions you have. They will be more than happy to give you the answers you’re looking for and address all concerns you have as well.

Here are some tips and advice for a transracial adoption to get you started…

Get Involved in the Community

As a birth mother, if you want to place your baby with a transracial adoption, one of the best ways to do this is to research your prospective adoptive parent’s community. What are the potential issues your child might face? Are you looking for adoptive parents who live in a diverse neighborhood? Do you hope your child goes to a school where diversity is celebrated? Is there any particular race, culture or ethnicity you want your child to grow up in?

As an adoptive parent, our advice to you is similar. If you are adopting transracially, it’s vital that you stay immersed with your child’s birth culture. community. This is beneficial for you and your child. Not only does this keep the child tied to their heritage, but it also gives you the opportunities to ask questions that you wouldn’t normally. For instance, if you are adopting an African American child, you’ll want to know everything you can about hair care. You may even want to find a salon that specializes in your child’s hair type. If you are adopting an Asian child, consider holidays that are important in that culture and add it to your family calendar.  

Cultural  festivals are  a great learning opportunity for both you and your child. It gives your child a chance to connect to their heritage while providing you the chance to appreciate it as well. It’s a great way to bond with your child, as well and to let them know that where they came from is important and valued.

Ask Questions

Whether you are a birth mother or adoptive parent, don’t be afraid to ask questions. You are not expected to know everything and it takes time to learn about a new culture, race or ethnicity. However, your eagerness and willingness to participate will be greatly appreciated by everyone involved — especially with birth mothers in an open adoption agreement. 

Ask your child’s birth mother what is essential in her culture. Seek to understand why and determine how you can implement that into your family life. This is a great way for both birth and adoptive parents to strengthen their bond together and get to know each other on a deeper level before and after your child is born. From getting the right shampoo to learning about her medical history, asking questions goes a long way to a smoother and more successful adoption journey.

Other People’s Opinions Don’t Matter

One of the few things that stops people from doing a transracial adoption is the judgement of others and their opinions. There is a big difference between having an opinion and offering valid advice. People are always going to have an opinion and want to tell you their thoughts. It’s frustrating to hear everything they think you are doing wrong when you aren’t doing anything wrong at all. There are only a few opinions that actually matter: the adoptive parents’, the birth parents’ and your child’s. The birth mother’s opinion is that you are the best place for her child. Treasure that and remember it for those whose opinions are not necessary. 

Tips and Advice for a Transracial Adoption

Trust in that the birth mother chose you to be the adoptive parents of your child. She knows that your child will be safe and connected with you. A transracial adoption can be scary; however, staying connected is a good way of overcoming the worries and concerns that come with transracial adoption. It’s a beautiful way to blend families and celebrate your differences while enriching your life and that of your child.. 

Adoption Choices of Texas offers adoptive parent training that can help you with adopting a child of a different race as well as many other things. As an expectant woman or birth parent, to learn more about adoption, contact Adoption Choices of Texas. You can call us at 888-307-3340, text us at 888-307-3340, or email us here. If you are hoping to adopt, please visit us here. We look forward to helping you through your adoption journey!

Meet the Author: Courtney Moore. Courtney was born in Huntington Beach, California. She is currently attending college for English with a minor in History. Her love for writing started at the age of 11 when she won a class competition for a personification of candy in a short story. In her junior year of high school, she was an editor for her school’s literary magazine. In her senior year of high school, her then English teacher told her that she should pursue a career as a literary scholar. The main reason she decided to not pursue that path is that her passions lied more in the creation of writings than the review of it.