Adoption Shouldn't Only Be The Last Option
Start writing a post
Relationships

Adoption Shouldn't Only Be The Last Option

It could be the best decision of your life.

66
Adoption Shouldn't Only Be The Last Option
Sundance

Ever since I was a little kid I always imagined what my future family would look like. Similar to most young children, I had always said that I was going to grow up, get married, and have kids of my own. But I never thought twice of how exactly I would have kids. To be perfectly honest, I never really thought there were more options besides for natural conception. If you ask me today how I imagine my future family to look, I would tell you that I want to grow up, get married, and adopt kids.

As far as I know, there is nothing stopping me from having my own children naturally. However, the more I age and actually have to start thinking about it, the more I realize there are already so many children in the world that don't have families. Of course I would still love to have children naturally, but adopting will never be the last resort for me. These children who already exist and are in need of a home should be able to have a family, and if I'm able to give that to them then why wouldn't I? In the U.S. alone, there are about 400,000 children in the foster care system each year. Of that, approximately 52% live with foster families or group homes. 62% of the children in foster care are 10 years old or younger. Let me reiterate that, three out of five children in foster care are 10 or younger. Some of these kids have been in foster care their entire life and haven't even had the opportunity to experience what it's like to have a parent. Some of these kids lost their parents and have nowhere else to go. Just imagine what it must be like for some of these kids who are placed in an unfamiliar house with unfamiliar people. I want to be able to provide a home for a child in foster care. I want to be able to give them a real childhood and a real family.

I decided I wanted to adopt after seeing movies and shows that illustrated what it was like to be a kid in foster care. 'The Fosters' specifically had me intrigued on how the process works. For anyone who hasn't seen the show, you need to. It demonstrates how kids in the foster system don't always get a fair chance in life. While the two main characters that have experienced foster care first hand end up finding a nice foster family who later adopts both of them, many of the other children in the show who are in the system don't end up so lucky. While it may just be a show, it demonstrates the struggles kids in the foster care system have to go through, and how difficult it may be to get adopted. It also shows how important getting involved in the foster care system can be, whether it's being an adoptive parent, a foster parent, a group home sponsor, or just an advocate for these kids, any little thing can make a huge difference in these children's lives.

While the adoption process can be a little pricey and a lengthy process, the impact it can make is literally life changing. If you decide that you can see kids in your future, please think about adoption. If you are hesitant on the process, you can always try fostering. Adoption doesn't always have to be the last option. You could possibly be making the best decision of your life while positively changing someone else's.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

50951
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

32608
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

955792
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180802
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments