For Adoptive Moms

The Decision to Adopt

1. What led you to the decision to adopt? Was adoption always part of your plan, or did something specific guide you to this path?

2. Did you have any fears or hesitations before starting the process? If so, how did you overcome them?

3. How did you choose the type of adoption (domestic, international, foster care, kinship, etc.) that was right for your family?

4. How did your friends and family react when you told them you were adopting? Did you face any resistance or unexpected reactions?

The Adoption Process & Early Days

5. What was the most challenging part of the adoption process that you weren’t prepared for?

6. Looking back, is there anything you wish you had done differently during the adoption journey?

7. Can you describe the first time you met your child? What emotions did you feel in that moment?

8. What was the hardest adjustment in the early days of becoming an adoptive mom?

Parenting & Relationship Growth

9. How has your relationship with your child evolved over time? What moments stand out as milestones?

10. Have you faced any unique challenges in bonding with your child? How did you work through them?

11. How do you talk about adoption in your family? Was there a turning point when these conversations became more meaningful?

12. If your child has searched for or reconnected with their birth family, how did you navigate that experience as a parent?

Challenges & Personal Growth

13. What has been your biggest challenge as an adoptive mom, and what have you learned from it?

14. How has adoption changed you—not just as a mother, but as a person?

15. Have you encountered misconceptions or judgments about being an adoptive parent? How do you respond?

16. How do you support your child when they express emotions of grief, loss, or confusion about their adoption story?

Advice & Reflection

17. What do you wish you had known before starting the adoption process?

18. What advice would you give to another mom considering adoption?

19. How do you navigate discussions about adoption with people who don’t fully understand the complexities?

20. What is your favorite memory or moment that reminds you why you chose to adopt?

For Adoptive Dads

The Decision to Adopt

1. What motivated you to pursue adoption? Was it always something you wanted, or did your perspective shift over time?

2. How did you prepare for the adoption journey—emotionally, mentally, and logistically?

3. Were there any specific fears or concerns you had about adoption? How did you move past them?

4. How did your role in the adoption process differ from or complement your partner’s role (if applicable)?

The Adoption Process & Early Days

5. What was the biggest surprise you encountered during the adoption process?

6. Can you describe the moment you first met your child? What went through your mind?

7. How did you navigate bonding with your child, especially if there were initial challenges?

8. Did becoming an adoptive father change the way you viewed parenting in general?

Parenting & Relationship Growth

9. How has becoming an adoptive parent changed your perspective on family?

10. What has been the most rewarding part of fatherhood? What has been the hardest part?

11. What strategies or approaches have helped you strengthen your bond with your child?

12. How do you approach conversations about adoption in your family? How do you create an open space for these discussions?

Challenges & Personal Growth

13. Have you experienced any unique challenges as an adoptive dad that you don’t think adoptive moms typically face?

14. How do you handle situations where people make assumptions or insensitive comments about adoption?

15. What is something you’ve learned about yourself through adoption that you never expected?

16. If your child has struggled with questions about their identity or birth family, how have you helped them through it?

Advice & Reflection

17. What do you wish more people knew about adoptive dads?

18. What is the best piece of advice you could give to another dad considering adoption?

19. If you could go back in time and give yourself one piece of advice before becoming an adoptive father, what would it be?

20. What is your favorite moment or memory that encapsulates the joy of being an adoptive dad?

Share Here!

Share as much or as little as you want! You don’t have to answer a single question above or answer them all in a row. This is your place to share your truth your way!