adoption

We're So Different!

You know the physical differences between men and women — but that 's only the beginning. Men and women are simply wired differently — emotionally intellectually, spiritually.

Men are single-minded. They tend to focus on one thing, usually in a logical way. Women see the big picture. They have more sensory awareness and often process data more efficiently.

Men are territorial. They like to have a sense of mastery and control over some part of their environment. Women are nesters. Having predictability in familiar things gives a woman an inner sense of security that includes the people in her life.

Men are task-oriented. They want to complete the job, achieve the goal, get it done. They go “shopping" to buy something and leave. Women are emotionally and relationally oriented. Women are more sensitive and interested in process. They go shopping as a social event or to enjoy the experience.

Men are less verbal. Most men follow the just-the-facts-ma 'am style of communication. They think exchanging the minimal factual information is having meaningful conversation. Women are verbal. They use three times as many words as men, beginning by age 2. Women place a lot of importance on sharing and talking, just for the sake of talking.

Men have stronger sexual drive. Because of their hormones, men generally want sexual release more often than women. Women are more interested in intimacy. Their sexuality is related to emotional closeness and a feeling of oneness.

Men are work-oriented. Especially in their early to mid-adult years, men get much of their identity and fulfillment from work achievements. Women have strong parenting instincts. They have an inborn desire to “mother" and find an inner delight in that process.

Background Information

Agency Adoptions
When it is time to evaluate adoption agencies, consider these pros and cons.

Where Have All the Babies Gone?
The top reasons fewer babies are available to the growing number of couples who want to adopt.

Adopting on Your Own
This advice can help single parents who want to adopt children.

Causes and Characteristics of Attachment Disorder
For adoptive parents, attachment issues can be a huge concern.

Independent Adoption
These are the risks and rewards of adopting without the help of an agency.

Questions and Answers

Are adopted children more likely to be rebellious than children raised by biological parents?
Answer

How would you go about telling a child he or she is adopted, and when should that disclosure occur?
Answer

Review Frequently Asked Questions

Stories

Reflections on Bonding With an Adopted Child
Bonding with an adopted child can take time — and great patience.

A Second Chance at Life
Two adopted children arrived from the most unlikely of sources.

Adoption as Grace
How does enlarging your family reflect God's love?

An Act of Grace
In the midst of ethical ambiguity, one infertility treatment is a welcome development.

Climbing the Hills
A father tells his story of adopting his daughter from Russia.

If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.
Share Your Story

Other Things to Consider

Where is God in the Midst of All My Troubles?
So many cry out to Him in times of need, but is God really listening? And, more important, does He care?

Life PressuresWorking Moms, Stay-at-Home Moms

RelationshipsBlended Families, Divorce, Parents and Adult Children, Caring for Elderly Parents