Adoption can be a very difficult thing to commit to, because it is almost impossible to foresee what an adoption will look like in reality. This is why it is often the case that one spouse will be more eager to adopt than another. If you have your heart set on embarking on an adoption journey, you may be nervous about bringing the topic up with your spouse in case they simply reject the idea or have some serious reservations.
You may want to do some research on adoption and the reality of the process before bringing up the topic with your spouse. By doing this, you will be better equipped to present the topic in a well-informed way, and you will be able to confidently answer any questions or concerns that they have.
Should I try to convince my spouse, or should I simply accept that they are unwilling?
Everyone is unique, and people reach different conclusions in different time frames. Just because your partner is cautious about the idea of adoption, this does not mean that you should not be patient with them and allow them to make up their mind. Giving your spouse the time and space to reflect on their true wishes given the information at hand is a key part of the process.
Make sure to communicate your own concerns
Even though your gut instinct knows that you want to adopt, it is still important to reflect on some key practical questions, and to discuss them with your spouse. For example, you may want to discuss the question of whether you will be able to bond with and love a child that is not biologically related to you. Additionally, you may want to discuss the type of adoption you would be willing to consider, and how you would want to approach behavioral issues that the child might have due to traumatic past experiences. All of these difficult questions are important to discuss in the early stages of the adoption process.
If you want to understand more about the process of adoption as well as where the law stands on adoption in Tennessee, it is important that you conduct thorough research into the topic.