The adoption process is long, complicated, expensive and emotionally taxing. Psychologist, Tracy Smith says it can even take up to 24 months, case depending. The great thing is that it does end, and the parents get to take their child home.
A LIFETIME COMMITMENT
Jude Clark, clinical psychologist and mother to an adopted child says raising an adopted child can be a beautiful journey but you need to know what you are getting yourself into. While this may be the beginning of a new life for the child, it is also sometimes a new experience for the parents, too. “In such cases, it is common for the adoptive parents and their child to struggle connecting at the beginning of the relationship. But, this doesn’t mean it will always be like that. The child might have different needs that require an alternative parenting style. You need to be ready to deal with this and some of the other challenges that will come. It is advisable that you get support from a social worker, psychologist or counsellor who can help give the family support.” Adoption is a lifetime commitment that comes with challenges, some mentioned below. It’s how you deal with them that’s important.
1. ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL COSTS
You need to be prepared for the financial implications of having an additional family member. Tracy advises you consult a financial planner before and after adoption. “A financial advisor can assist with creating a plan that will outline monthly expenses, getting your debt under control and accommodate additional costs for the child’s financial needs. You will also have to create a new will to include the child. You must have a firm grasp on your finances because raising a child is expensive.”
2. ORIENTATION INTO STABILITY
Esta historia es de la edición April 2020 de Bona.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición April 2020 de Bona.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Damage At Work: Who Pays?
What happens when you damage company property or property that belongs to your employer? Are you liable for the costs?
Safety Tips When Driving With Kids
The roads we drive on can be quite treacherous. Car safety is not only limited to you as a driver, but also your passengers including your children. Vuyi Mpofu gives us six safety tips that you must abide by.
The Impact Of The Coronavirus
When COVID-19 hit South Africa, it came as no surprise that the virus would impact vulnerable communities such as townships and rural areas the hardest. The frequently asked questions since then have been whether the government has given enough information and resources to the people in disadvantaged areas or not. Everson Luhanga investigates further.
Financially Surviving Covid-19
Our finance guru, Sinesipho Maninjwa, shares advice on how you can navigate and survive the financial impact of the coronavirus.
All I Want Is A Baby
Trying to conceive with no success, and undergoing fertility treatment can take its toll on your relationship. This is the reality for many couples, and yet it remains a taboo subject.
THE TRUTH ABOUT - feminine hygiene products
Despite numerous attempts by medical professionals to debunk the need for feminine hygiene products, numerous women still use them. Lethabo Nxumalo finds out why and if they are truly putting you at risk.
THREE GENERATIONS OF MTOBA women
Linda Mtoba (27) is a mom, and she’s extremely happy about it. She chats to Amanda Mtuli about her pregnancy and what motherhood has taught her thus far. She also introduces us to her beautiful daughter, Bean. We are lucky to have the matriarch of the family, Linda’s mother Celiwe Mtoba (47), present during the interview. She lovingly gushes over her first grandchild while giving us insight into what it was like raising Linda.
THE OLDER SIBLING Blues
Expecting the arrival of your bundle of joy may be exciting for you and your partner, but might not be so thrilling for your older child. Experts say kids sometimes struggle to accept the changes that a newborn brings. Fundiswa Nkwanyana spoke to some of them to help you prepare your firstborn for the new family member.
Owning THE SPOTLIGHT
Film and TV star Fulu Mugovhani (29), currently graces our screens as Noli on the M-Net series, Still Breathing. The former Scandal! actress talks about getting into showbiz and lessons learnt on and off the stage.
Life After losing a child
A parent’s worst fear is the death of a child. And, when that fear becomes a reality, grief becomes unbearable and acceptance seems impossible. Four readers share intimate details of their journeys.
