Pregnant woman sitting on a park bench “I’m due in a couple of months, and I’ve trying to decide between adoption and keeping my baby. What is the best way to figure out what kind of parent I would be? I’m confused and really want to make the right decision.”
 
It’s normal to wonder what kind of parent you would be. When you choose your child’s parents through adoption, you can evaluate what kind of parents they would be.
 
But what about you? What kind of parent are you ready to be?
 
Here’s a short quiz you can take that will bring you closer to the best solution:

  • Can you provide for yourself and your baby on your own?
  • Do you have school or work that takes up a lot of your time?
  • Is your baby’s father likely to help you money-wise and emotionally? If not, will you be able to handle everything by yourself?
  • Have family and friends offered to help you care for your child?
  • Can you afford to clothe, feed, educate, and get medical attention for your child?
  • Can you give your child the kind of life he or she deserves? The kind of life you want for them?
  • Are you truly ready to give up your life to become a mom right now?

Were your answers to these questions mostly “no” or “yes”? It takes strength and courage to be honest with yourself. Your answers to these questions will help you focus on what you want for your baby.
 

Adoption or Parenting?

It’s not easy to choose between parenting and adoption, and it’s a decision only you can make. Try not to let other people rush you into a decision or push you one way or another. Give your time and attention instead toward the decision-making process. Whatever you decide, adoption agencies like Lifetime Adoption have resources and support available to you.
 
While we cannot tell you which pregnancy choice to make, we can connect you with an adoption professional who will provide you with the guidance, information, and support you need to make an informed decision.
 
You may want to talk with a woman that chose adoption to hear her reasons why, and what the process was like for her. She can let you know what to expect and provide support. If you don’t know if you are ready to become a parent, you can be connected with a counselor who won’t pressure you to make a decision one way or the other. A licensed therapist is neutral and easy to talk to, and helps you sound out the many thoughts and emotions you’re experiencing.
 
To request info, call or text Lifetime’s adoption hotline at 1-800-923-6784. You deserve to know you’ve explored all options the best you could, including parenting and adoption. Lifetime Adoption will answer your questions and get the information and resources you need. You can also hear directly from women about why they chose adoption by visiting their Adoption Stories page.
 

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on May 8, 2013, and has since been updated.