A bouncing baby boy or giggling toddler girl can bring love and life to a household. For childless couples hoping to have a family, adoption or surrogacy can be their best options. The process of starting a family this way can be immensely rewarding, but there are also many challenges. "One of the biggest things prospective parents should consider when seeking a child through adoption or surrogacy is that it's usually a very, very long process from start to finish," says Christina Steinorth, a California-based psychotherapist and author of Cue Cards for Life. "It could be 18 months before you have a child, but often it's much longer—sometimes two years or more—before you'll be able to bring your child home with you." It is best to prepare yourself for a long waiting period, as well as for the costs that each option entails. Make an honest evaluation of your family's needs. Once you determine that adoption or surrogacy is indeed the right course of action for everyone involved, prepare for the life-changing journey to come. The process can be lengthy and challenging, but Steinworth says it’s ultimately "worth the wait."
Day: May 20, 2013
The 411 on Adoption
When Denise Buzy-Pucheu and her husband, Cary Correia, contemplated adopting a child, they were adamant about researching the options and ultimately decided upon an international adoption. Ten years later, the Connecticut-based couple has expanded the family to five with 10-year-olds Ethan and Isabella, adopted from Kazakhstan, and 8-year-old Aeryn Elisabeth, adopted from China. “I would say, first and foremost to the newcomer to adoption, to get all the information you can read,” Buzy-Pucheu says. If you are considering adoption, it’s important to know what it entails. You should know how to find an agency, what national and international options there are and detailed information about the child you hope to welcome into your family.
5 Inexpensive Spring Activities For the Family
The sound of birds chirping and children giggling outside is a definite sign that spring is here. It’s the perfect time to spring your family activities into action. “Outdoor family days include renewing bonds, showing your children the importance of physical activity and giving them a chance to use their creativity,” says Aeva Gaymon-Doomes, a child psychiatrist in Chevy Chase, Md. Springtime activities, though, don’t have to be hard on your bank balance. Keep your family active and your finances in shape with family activities perfect for your budget.
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 