Are you a potential Ampersand Family?
Read and reflect on these questions to find out whether you have what it takes:
- I like teenagers.
- It’s okay if my kid doesn’t call me “mom” or “dad” or yells “you’re not my mom,” occasionally. Loudly.
- I can handle hearing swear words. Or not.
- I tweet or know someone who does.
- Sometimes I laugh at situations that make others walk away in frustration.
- I can imagine welcoming new members into my current family, including a youth’s biological relatives and other important connections.
- I remember doing dumb things when I was a teenager.
- I know I will need help if I adopt a teen and I am eager to learn.
- My family is often more like Ozzy Osborne’s than Ozzie and Harriet’s.
- I know that I will not die if my grandmother’s teacup gets broken.
- I have friends who are different than I am as far as race, culture, income, politics or other important things.
- I am resilient and cool headed even in the face of frustration.
- Thinking of teaching a teen to drive doesn’t make me want to cry.
- I have done my own therapeutic work and have a therapist I can return to if my own issues are stirred up.
- I know how to not take things personally even if they hurt my feelings.
- Part of why I want to adopt is because I know teens who age out of foster care face terrible outcomes, and I want to be part of the solution.
- I am able to help a teen explore spirituality and/or religion knowing they may not believe what I believe.
- I know I will need help if I adopt a teen and I am eager to learn.
- If I have a partner, we are on the same page about adopting and parenting a traumatized teen.
- I want to join a community of people who have adopted teens and support each other.
- I have the capacity to see the hurt and trauma in my child’s eyes and to be an emotionally-attuned partner as she heals.
- I’ve heard of TikTok, and I’ve used Instagram.
- I know what sexting is, and I have some idea what to do if my kid does it.
- I know how to fix a hole in sheetrock.
- I like surprises.
- I am willing to parent my teen according to his needs, even if he is 17 years old and sometimes needs to be parented like they are 12.
- I’m intrigued with the idea of getting to know my kid’s birth family; and I can support my kid’s efforts to navigate those complicated relationships.
- I know what SOGIE means, or will go look it up.
- I know that I will need help if I adopt a teen and I am eager to learn (yes, we realize this is listed 3 times..get the point?).
- I know how to say “no” in the face of extreme pressure. Often I say “yes.”
- It’s okay if the kid I adopt keeps their last name.
- I like hugs, but can live without them sometimes.
- Music is okay even if I cannot understand a word they are singing.
- I have a network of friends and family who will support my plans to adopt a teen.
- I have been stubborn or pushy.
- I know that adopting means unconditional commitment and that I will be my teen’s parent forever no matter whether:
- They go to college or struggle to finish high school,
- They find a fulfilling career or change jobs frequently,
- They get arrested and go to jail or become a police officer,
- They are ready to live on their own at 18 or 26,
- They get someone pregnant (or become pregnant) before being ready to parent,
- They become addicted or never uses at all,
- They develop a mental health issue,
- They leave home to live with their birth mom. . . and then wants to come back.
If you answered “yes” to most of the statements above, you just might be a good fit for adopting a teen through Ampersand Families. Learn more about our process or contact us.
ADOPTION IS NOT THE ONLY OPTION
Even if adoption isn’t right for you, you can still be part of the teen permanency solution. Learn about all the ways you can help or make an online donation today.
