Originally posted on October 14, 2020. To read the story on the Adoption Choices website, click here.

As a birth mother, there are many choices for you to make throughout the adoption process. Arguably, the most important decision you will make is finding the family who will be the best fit for your child. However, that adoptive family does not necessarily have to be a man and a woman, or even two parents. 

Here at Adoption Choices of Oklahoma, we know that there are many different options for birth mothers when it comes to finding the best adoptive family. That is why we are here to help inform you and give you all you need to make the best decision. 

Open Adoption with a Single Parent:

If you are considering single adoptive parents for your child, and entering into an open adoption agreement with them, here are some important things to know about what kind of life he or she could have.

1. Communication with Adoptive Parent

In an open adoption, you agree to have some kind of communication with the adoptive family. Whether that is just a yearly photo on your child’s birthday or a weekly phone call, setting the boundaries of communication is something that needs to be the same for both the birth mother and the adoptive parent. 

One benefit of having a single parent adoption is that you only need to communicate with one person. With two-parent families, there could be conflicting ideals or values. However, with a single parent, you’ll know exactly how they plan to raise your son or daughter. 

2. Close Bond between Birth Parent and Adoptive Parent

No matter what communication arrangements you make for after your baby is born, it is important to build a connection with the adoptive family throughout the adoption process. Before the baby is born, especially, you both can learn a lot more about each other and establish a strong, healthy relationship. 

The benefit of bonding with a single adoptive parent is that there is only one parent involved. For birth mothers who might have fears of meeting new people, meeting one person is a lot less intimidating. Also, if it’s a one-on-one conversation, it offers the opportunity to be a lot more intimate and personal with your conversations (if you feel comfortable doing so!). 

3. Close Bond between Child and Adoptive Parent

As a single adoptive parent, he or she would have a lot of time to spend with the child. Since they are not in a relationship, your child’s adoptive parent can put all their energy towards raising your child. Additionally, single adoptive parents work very hard to create the best environment possible for your child. Working a full-time job and taking care of a child all at once is hard work! However, single adoptive parents show that they are up for the challenge, and can prove to your child that hard work gets you far in life. 

They also are more likely to raise your child to help out around the house. When children can help with chores, it makes them more independent and more prepared to head out into the real world. 

4. Single Adoptive Parents  Offer a Loving Home

The ultimate goal of a birth mother is to find the family who will be the fit for her child. You want to find someone who will have a solid relationship with your child and raise him or her to be the best version of themselves. As we know, adoptive families are not a one-size-fits-all. Every adoptive family looks different, but that does not mean that one is more capable than the other. 

No matter what open adoption looks like with a single parent, it is important to note that they will offer a loving and caring home for your child. They have thought long and hard about their decision and prepared to raise your child, show them all the love in the world, and help set them up for success. 

Have any Questions? We are Here for You!

At Adoption Choices of Oklahoma, we know that this decision is not an easy one to make. Placing your baby up for adoption can feel very stressful and be an intimidating process. However, we want to do whatever we can to make it as smooth as possible. If you have any questions or want to talk further, please do not hesitate to contact us!