Biological Child-no paperwork; Adopted Child-miles of it

This may seem like an odd thing to put on Finwe’s blog, but there is a reason. Having just given birth the miles of paperwork that my friends will be going through amazes me. Why lots of paperwork? Trixie and WaWa are adopting a child from China. On her blog she shared some of the questions that they are expected to answer for the interview with a social worker. Those of you who had biological children: Did you think about these topics before you had a kid? It’s just amazing the vetting process. Shouldn’t we all have to go through this to be parents?

Describe your personality – strengths and weaknesses.

• A. How do you handle stress, depression, and where do you go for help?
• B. How do you feel about your physical self? Is there anything you would like to change?
• C. Please list:1) Your weight 2) Your height 3) Eye color / hair color 4) Other
• D. What is your favorite and least favorite feature and why?
• E. What are your hobbies and interests?

II. Childhood Experiences – please include the following:

• A. Where were you born and where did you grow up?
• B. Describe your parents. How did you feel about them, then and now? How often do you talk to them?
• C. Describe your parent’s relationship. Are they (or have they ever been): divorced, separated, widowed? If they are still married, how many years?
• D. How did your parents discipline you? Who was your primary disciplinarian?
• E. Explain your personal relationship with your mother; your father.
• F. Describe your relationship with your brothers and sisters.
• G. What was growing up in your family like?
• H. What was your family’s financial situation?I. Was there an important adult in your life? Who was that adult and why was he or she important to you?
• J. Would you describe your childhood as happy or unhappy? Explain.

III. School or Education (include grade school, high school and college)

• A. Tell us about your experiences, negative and positive, throughout your educational process.
• IV. Adolescence – please include the following:
• A. Was this a difficult time for you? Why?
• B. Describe your activities, friends, dating.
• C. What High School did you attend?
• D. What grades did you receive?
• V. Career- please include the following
• A. Briefly describe your work history, jobs and length of time held
• B. What do you like/dislike about your current job?
• C. What is your schedule? How will the adoption affect your current job?

VI. Religion – please include a statement of your beliefs. If you attend church-where?

VII. Marriage – please include the following:

• A. How did you meet your spouse? What was the length of courtship? How did your family react to the marriage?
• B. What attracted you to your spouse? What interests do you have together and individually?
• C. What are the strengths and weaknesses in your marriage?
• D. Discuss any previous marriages. Why was the marriage terminated? What impact did this have on you?

VIII. Children and Child Rearing – please include the following:

• A. Describe each of your children. What are their interests, likes and dislikes? Do they have special needs, school adjustments or serious illnesses?
• B. How do you discipline and raise your children? Who is the primary disciplinarian?
• C. Describe a typical day in your family.
• D. How will an adopted child fit into the established system?

IX. Financial situation

• A. Who manages the budget and pays the bills?
• B. What is the largest purchase you would make without consulting your spouse?
• C. How will this adoption affect your financial status?

X. Why are you applying for adoption now? What do you expect to gain from the adoption experience and parenting?