Adoption is a tough process to go through when you’re in a relationship; adopting as a single parent can be tougher. Unfortunately, a negative stigma surrounds single parents thanks to How society views parenthood and a healthy family. Though this viewpoint has wavered over the years, many still hold onto the idea that the “traditional” way of parenting is the best way: a child needs two parents, one mother and one father, to grow up happy and healthy. This couldn’t be further from the truth—when raising a child, all that matters is how they’re raised, not who is raising them. 

 

There are many things to consider when you’re adopting a child, regardless of your relationship status. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

 

Do Your Research

 

As with every major decision in life, you need to do your research before committing to anything. Learn as much as you can about the adoption process: how much it’ll cost, what steps you’ll need to take, what documents you’ll need on hand, etcetera. Having this knowledge beforehand will help you as the adoption process starts and let you made the best, informed decisions for you and your future family.

 

Have a Support System

 

Though you’ll be a single parent, having a support system in place will ensure that you aren’t alone as you journey into parenthood. It’s one thing to be independent, but another entirely to not ask for help when you need it most. Parenting is a challenge that you don’t have to undertake alone. If you don’t already have a support system in place, go out and find one! Become involved with your community, look for resources for single parents, join a support group for those in your situation—whatever it takes to have someone at your back when you need help.  

 

Check Your Finances

 

Adoption isn’t cheap, and raising a child isn’t cheap either. When you adopt a child, the expenses don’t stop at the adoption fee; you’ll be responsible for your child’s welfare until they’re eighteen at minimum, though chances are you’ll help your child along well after they reach that age. From birth until the age of eighteen, children roughly cost their parents about $245,000, or $13,600 a year. Before committing to adoption, make sure that you can financially afford a child both now and in the future.