Getting to Know the Adoptive Family [20 Questions to Ask]

If you’re considering adoption for your baby in Georgia, you get to choose the family who will raise your child. You can take your time and find an adoptive family who feels like the perfect fit.

By getting to know the adoptive parents ahead of time, you can feel more confident in your decision. This can help you learn who they really are and what kind of relationship you might share in the future.

In this guide, you'll find a list of questions to ask adoptive parents and tips for getting to know them better. If you're ready to begin, you can browse profiles of waiting families online or call 1-800-ADOPTION to speak with a specialist.

20 Questions to Ask Potential Adoptive Parents (And What Not to Ask)

When you place your baby for open adoption, you have the chance to really get to know a hopeful family before making your decision. Here are some helpful questions to ask potential adoptive parents when adopting privately:

General Questions to Ask Adoptive Parents

These questions will help you get to know the adoptive family on a personal level:

1. What’s a typical day like for you?

2. What do you do for fun?

3. What are your work schedules like?

4. Do you have any pets?

5. What are your favorite family traditions or holidays?

6. What are your families like, and how involved are they in your life?

7. How did you meet, and what do you love most about each other?

8. Have you faced any major challenges in life? How did you overcome them?

9. What values are most important in your home?

10. What kind of environment will my child grow up in?

Adoption Questions to Ask Adoptive Parents

These questions focus more on adoption and parenting:

11. What made you choose adoption?

12. How will you talk to my child about adoption?

13. What kind of open adoption contact frequency are you comfortable with?

14. How do you plan to stay connected with me after the adoption?

15. Have you adopted before or do you plan to adopt again?

16. How will you support your child’s identity and background?

17. What does your community look like?

18. What kind of education do you plan to provide?

19. How will you handle difficult questions my child may ask about their adoption?

20. What’s your approach to parenting and discipline?

Questions Not to Ask

While it’s normal to be curious, some questions can feel a little too personal or may create unnecessary tension. Here are a couple of topics you may want to avoid:

• Asking for sudden promises. It’s okay to talk about what you’re hoping for, but try not to ask the adoptive family to commit to anything on the spot. You also don’t need to decide anything right away. It's okay to take time to reflect on your conversation.

• Asking questions about infertility. Many adoptive parents have experienced infertility, and those journeys can be deeply emotional. Unless they bring it up first, it's best to avoid asking why they can’t have children biologically.

Instead of focusing on what not to ask, lean into open, heartfelt conversation. Focus on how they talk about parenting, their values and their dreams for the child. That’s where you’ll see whether they’re the kind of people you want to be your baby's parents.

Creating a Lifelong Connection

Your first meeting can be the start of a lifelong open adoption relationship. You and the adoptive family can become an extended family, bonded by your love for your child. Some birth mothers stay in regular contact, while others prefer occasional updates. It’s all about what feels right for you.

You should have control over every aspect of your adoption journey in Georgia. If you’re ready to take the next step, you can browse profiles of waiting families today.

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