Bringing another child into your family regardless of how it happens always shakes things up when you already have a child. When adopting a child in New York, you have a few more hurdles to overcome when preparing your child for his or her new sibling. This can make it a little more difficult to make sure the process goes smoothly, but it does not mean things will not work out.
The Mayo Clinic explains that when adopting a child, you may not have a clear idea of the timeline nor know exactly when the child may come to live with you. There can be delays and other issues that slow things down. Sometimes, things happen very fast, which also poses a challenge. You may find yourself having to explain why the new child is not yet living with you, or you may have to speed things up and rush to prepare your child for the new sibling.
In any case, you want to make sure your child understands that he or she is getting a new brother or sister. You should explain what adoption is if he or she does not know. Talk about where the new child will have his or her bedroom. Discuss any changes that may happen because of the new sibling.
You also want to make sure that you keep everything age-appropriate. Younger children may need more time and explanation to adjust. Older children may have more questions and concerns that you need to address. Just make sure that you stay positive and approach the situation with openness so your child feels comfortable coming to you if the adjustment is difficult. This information is for education and is not legal advice.