The adoption process can be beautiful and unforgettable, but it can also be a difficult time for hopeful adoptive parents. Because the wait may be tough to deal with, friends and family hoping to help may have difficulty navigating this sensitive subject. If you have a friend or relative who is currently trying to adopt and you’re unsure how to approach it, here are a few things you can do.

Simply Ask
It’s important to be supportive of an adoptive couple or single adoptive parent, but it’s also a good idea to ask them just how much of your involvement they’re comfortable with. Having a conversation can be therapeutic for many hopeful adoptive parents, but there can be times when talking about it may be the last thing they want to do. The adoption process is different for everyone and discussing adoption and the process openly can sometimes be beneficial. By simply asking a hopeful adoptive parent whether they want to talk about it, you are showing your support and respecting their feelings.

Take Action
There are many ways to show support for the adoptive parent(s) throughout the process. You can do something simple like sending an encouraging card, checking up on them through a phone call, or even helping them run errands. It’s the little things that matter the most! Being a good, reliable friend can even be a way to help. Studies show that occupied time makes a wait feel shorter, so consider distracting them from the situation if they are overwhelmed or too focused on the adoption wait.

Respect Their Decisions
No matter what the outcome of the adoption process is, be supportive! Whether they have, or have yet to have a successful placement, respect their feelings and privacy. Often, lending an ear is enough. While a successful adoption and the creating of a new family is worth celebrating, adoption can involve complex feelings and perhaps the feeling of loss within a child. Regardless, your loved one will be going through a new phase of their life and you can help by offering your time and support, while still maintaining the same sensitivity you had during their wait.

Going through the adoption process isn’t always easy, but having dependable, understanding friends can help make it a lot more manageable.

AdoptHelp provides services to those looking to undergo the child adoption process. If you are a hopeful adoptive parent or you know someone that needs information, we can help.