7 Pros and Cons of Single Parent Adoption

If you feel ready and eager to become a parent but don’t want to wait to find “the one” adoption is an option for you. Single-parent adoption is among the many ways adoption creates opportunities for hopeful parents wanting to start or expand their family. In fact, approximately 28% of adoptions today are single-parent adoptions.

While single-parent adoption is possible, it’s important that you consider all of the disadvantages as well as the advantages. That’s why we’ve created this article about the pros and cons of single-parent adoption.

4 Pros of Single-Parent Adoption

Over the years, more children have been growing up in single-parent households, resulting in adoption agencies opening their doors to single men and women wanting to adopt. Over the years many adoptees have been placed with loving, single adoptive parents.  Single-parent adoptions have been shown to have several benefits.

1. You Make all the Parenting Decisions

While parenting alone can be overwhelming, it can also be one of the primary advantages. You won’t have to compromise your values, needs or parenting styles to accommodate a partner when it comes to parenting your child. Single-parenting means there will be less room for disagreements to arise.

You will be able to make your own decisions that you feel are in the best interest of your child. The lack of conflict not only creates a stress-free environment for you, but will also help your child feel more secure. There won’t be a risk of them being subjected to confusion of conflicting parenting methods. You get to call all the shots when it comes to the freedoms and rules your child will have.

2. A Strong Sense of Community

While you may be able to shoulder the responsibility of single-parenting, there will be times where you’ll need to lean on others while you balance parenting, work, hobbies and other activities. Single parents typically end up leaning on a support system made up of friends, family support groups, etc. Not only will your child have the love and support of various people in your life, but they will learn that they can find support in their community.

3. Financial Freedom

While single-parent households do have less income, managing your finances will be easier. You won’t have to divide your expenses with someone else and you will always know when and where money is being spent. You will be able to determine which things will be considered financial priorities. Finances are often a source of conflict in some marriages. As a single-parent, you won’t have to worry about having opposing financial views than a partner, or worry about money being needlessly spent.

4. Undivided Attention

In today’s fast-paced world, it can be hard to find one-on-one time with the people in your life. As a single-parent, you will be able to focus on your child and give them your undivided attention. You won’t have to worry about dividing time between a partner and your child. This will allow you to be even more attuned to their needs and happiness. This strong bond will help your child to feel secure, trusting and loved.

3 Cons of Single-Parent Adoption

There are undoubtedly a lot of advantages of adopting as a single parent. But it does come with its share of challenges. Before you dive into the adoption process make sure you are prepared for the additional responsibilities you will be taking on.

5. Time Management

While you will be able to give your child your undivided attention, you may struggle to find time for anything else. Raising a child on your own means you will have to find a way to balance work, social life and other responsibilities with caring for and bonding with your child. You may need to reach out to your support system to baby sit or lend practical support for everyday tasks.

6. Potential Financial Strain

Even though you will be able to make all of the financial decisions, single-parent households do typically have less income. Adoption itself is an expensive process, so it’s important that you have been carefully planning your finances so that you can prove to you prospective birth mothers that you can adequately prepare for their child.

You also may need to take time off from work when you bring your baby home. Make sure that you have spoken with your employer and/or have a contingency planning place to accommodate any loss of income.

7. Finding Time for Dating and Relationships

Putting dating on hold during the adoption process may be helpful in helping prospective birth parents determine if you’re in a stable position to raise her child. Once the placement has been completed and you’ve brought your baby home, staying single for a period of time can be helpful as you begin bonding with your baby. Plus, finding time to date as a single-parent can be difficult in and of itself.

If you’re interested in single-parent adoption, it’s important to consider all of the different factors involved before committing to the adoption process. If you’re sure that adoption is right for you or if you still have questions, get the guidance you need here.