Birth Grandparents: What Is Your Role?
What rights do you have regarding the adoption placement process of your grand child? Legally--none. However, your perspective and your personal influence can make or break an adoption placement. If as birth grandparents you choose to negatively influence your children (the birth parents) you may be effective in preventing an adoption placement. But then--why would you want to do that? Whatever the ages of the birth parents and whatever the set of circumstances, it is THEIR baby and they are responsible to make THEIR own decisions.
As adults our focus should be on what is the best, most beneficial, and most productive place for the child? What is the best possible option for their future, well being, health, and happiness? As adults we should use logic and objectively to assess the circumstances for a stable and secure childhood for the child. All emotionally ties should be cut and/or sacrificed for the welfare of the child. As a birth grandparent you can also choose to offer supportive suggestions and encouragement to the birth parents. Additionally, you have years of child rearing experience and expertise that is only acquired through the parenting process. Your wisdom can assist the birth parents in making a wise choice about adoption placement. Your input can help them to consider LONG term benefits and LONG term requirements for your grandchild. Perhaps you have some definite ideas about the Christian family being considered for placement.
From our experience at Christian Adoption, you have the greatest influence upon the birth parents of the child. Your rejection or acceptance of them can make or break a successful placement. It is our prayer that you will choose to seek divine guidance and direction. That you will choose to offer sincere encouragement and support to your children, the birth parents. God can and will make Himself clear to you through the placement process--as you trust in Him. There is a special peace that comes into the heart of the birth grandparent that has let go and let God answer prayer. We hope you will seek to follow His still small voice of loving wisdom and rest in His peace--a peace that passes all understanding.
