what is a "real" parent?
By mom2adopted
@mom2adopted (56)
United States
February 11, 2007 12:47pm CST
As a foster and adoptive parent, I hate it when someone refers to my adoptive children's birth parents as their "real" parents. Almost anyone can give birth. The real test of being a "real" parent is in raising and loving the child. We adopted our foster son almost 3 years ago. 2 years ago we learned that his birth parents had given birth to another child that was taken away from them at birth. We are blessed that we were able to get her and adopt her. What a great gift to be able to give our son the chance to grow up with his full sibling!!
We (my husband and I) are the ones who sit up all night when one of the kids are sick. We are the ones who feed them, dress them, entertain them and most importantly love them.
I have all the information about their birth parents in a safe place for them when they get older and if they want it. Adoption is a great word at our house.
Being a real parent, means actually being a parent, not just giving birth. The love we feel for our two children would not or could not be any different if we had given birth to them ourselves. Our families feel the same way. All our parents, siblings, aunts and uncles see no difference in our children then to the birth children in our families. We are so fortunate to have these twon wonderful children to love. What are your thoughts, comments or questions?
2 people like this
2 responses
@pebbles_cubbie (3789)
• United States
14 Feb 07
i agree with you. i think that anyone can pop a kid out it takes a real parent to love and take care of them. that's great that you got a brother and sister from the same family. usually that doesn't happen. i think adoption is a great thing especially for people that can't have children on their own and the kids can get good parents through adoption instead of sitting in a orphanage or abusive family. to me you are their real parents since you were the one providing for them and loving them as your own.
1 person likes this
@mom2adopted (56)
• United States
14 Feb 07
Thank you!! That is how we feel too. I heard yesterday (on the TV) that adoptive parents overall rate higher that natural parents because they try harder to be good parents. That is not to say that natural parents are lessor, adoptive parents just try harder. We are very blessed to have them both. What greater gift to give a child than his sister!!
@jennybeans (912)
• United States
11 Feb 07
Anyone can contribute to the birth of a child, but it takes real strength and character to step up to the plate and be a parent. I imagine it does hurt when people make statements like that,and in the future your children even your children might make those hurtful statements, but you will perservere and continue to love and care for them because you are parents.
I grew up not knowing my biological father and to this day I still don't know the man, but I could introduce you to my Dad anytime. :)
1 person likes this