The debate of nature versus nurture is about whether our genetics or our environment shapes who we are as individuals. This topic becomes especially interesting when viewed through the lens of adoption, where we can see how both sides play a role in a child’s development. Let’s explore how nature vs nurture in adoption affects adoptees and why understanding this can help adoptive families and their children. Nature vs. Nurture: The Basics Nature refers to the innate traits and characteristics we inherit from our biological parents, like eye color, personality, and health risks. Nurture refers ..read more

If you are a single parent wanting to adopt, you may not know where to start. For many prospective parents, the adoption journey can be intimidating and even overwhelming. Thankfully, there are an abundance of resources to equip you for the journey of single parent adoption. It would be in your best interest to take the time to be self-reflective and introspective about adoption before pursuing this journey and making the decision after much thoughtful consideration.  Here are some recommendations to guide you through the process: Research and Preparation Understand the Types of Adoptio ..read more

Over the years, we’ve cultivated a robust network of trusted adoption service professionals to refer our adoptive families and birth parents to. This series features Q&As with a few of our referrals from across the country. What is your title & specialty? I’m Executive Director for Heart of Adoptions, Inc. Our agency primarily handles domestic, newborn adoption, but we also handle older child adoptions, DCF Interventions, home studies, and post-placement services. I oversee five office locations and caseworkers/staff throughout the state of Florida. I am also the Director of Programs ..read more

If you are starting the adoption process, chances are good you have learned or heard about the different types of adoption: open, semi-open and closed. Today, almost all types of adoption have some level of openness. Openness can be incredibly beneficial for adoptees and is something worth exploring and leaning into as an adoptive or prospective parent. If you are asking yourself the question, “Is open adoption confusing for kids?” rest assured that this is a commonly asked question, and the answer is no. Open adoption does not have to be confusing for kids but adoptive parents have to play a ..read more

Becoming pregnant as a teenager can be overwhelming, and making decisions about your future and the future of your baby can feel even more daunting. For many teen moms, considering adoption can be a positive and empowering choice that provides their child with a loving and stable home.  If you’re exploring adoption, understanding the teen mom adoption process and your adoption options for teenage mothers can help you make an informed decision. Understanding the Teen Mom Adoption Process The adoption process for teenage mothers is designed to be supportive and respectful of your needs and ..read more

  If you are a prospective parent, you may be experiencing a wide range of emotions during the adoption wait. Seasons and periods of waiting can be hard, but they can also be breeding grounds for growth and opportunity. Regardless of where you are in the adoption process there are some things you can do to really take advantage and lean into the waiting process.  Here are a few things you can do while you navigate the adoption wait: Start Counseling: You may have heard about the benefit of counseling for your adoptee, but have you thought about counseling for yourself? Now is a grea ..read more

As an adoptive parent, it will be important to prioritize the medical history needs of your adoptee. Unlike biological children, many adoptees may have unknown family medical histories. For international adoptees, there may be incredibly limited information available regarding biological parents and limited options in attaining medical data from them. Regardless of the type of adoption, open, close or semi open, prioritizing knowing and attaining information about your adoptee’s medical history when possible is very important.  Here are some of the key reasons adoptees need health histor ..read more

As an adoptive parent, understanding your adoptee’s attachment style is incredibly important in providing parenting that meets their unique needs. For all types of adoptions, domestic and international, infant and non-infant, attachment plays a direct role in how adoptees develop relationships with others, see themselves in context of the world around them, and operate within relationships.  Due to the separation of biological ties that happens in all adoptions, many adoptees will struggle to develop secure attachment even in healthy, loving homes post adoption. In fact, many adoptees wi ..read more

  For parents of adoptees in elementary school, it is important to understand that your child will most likely have to engage and interact with their adoption in some capacity at school. School can be a challenging place for young adoptees as they may be eager to fit in and be accepted. Owning and walking in their unique story at this age can be really hard. Thankfully, there are ways you can support them during these transformative years. Partner with teachers. Establish open lines of communication with your child’s teachers. Where appropriate, share necessary information about your ch ..read more

What is your title & specialty? I am an adoption attorney at Kirsh & Kirsh, P.C. I practice with my brothers Steve and Joel and my nephew Grant. Combined, the “Kirsh Boys” have more than 100 years of experience practicing adoption law and, over the last 40 years, have handled approximately 4,000 infant adoptions. What areas do you serve? I am admitted in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, and Tennessee, working with expectant mothers, adoptive parents, attorneys, and adoption agencies on interstate/ICPC and intrastate adoptions. An instrument-rated Private Pilot, I re ..read more