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For many, a blended family is the norm today. Whether through divorce or the loss of a spouse, couples remarry and form new families. Step-siblings and half-siblings add another layer of intricacy, while interracial marriages blend individual cultures.
However, the blending of biological and adopted children has unique challenges that other families don’t face. If you’re contemplating adding to your family through adoption or are already raising both, here are some tips to help build a stronger, loving family bond.
Tip # 1: Celebrate the Differences
Children, no matter if they are biological or adopted, all have different personalities, traits, and interests, but adopted children feel those differences more acutely. They may look completely different from their adopted family or have different likes and dislikes.
Adoptees already have a predisposition to feeling like an outsider. It’s the old nature vs. nurture debate. They see their siblings' physical features and personality similarities with their parents as a constant reminder that they are different.
Be especially sensitive to the idea that parents show favoritism to their biological children over their adopted ones. Comments like “You have your grandmother’s eyes” or “You have your father’s sense of humor " remind your adopted children that they are not blood-related.
Emphasize the uniqueness of everyone in the family and celebrate those differences. If you have an open or semi-open relationship with your adopted child’s birth family, reference them when speaking to your child. Create an atmosphere where everyone feels special.
Tip #2: Learn Something New Together
One child may be gifted athletically, while another may be a talented artist. The key to drawing the family together is finding new, shared experiences. For instance, take up a new family hobby, tackle a home improvement project together, or start a family book club.
Everyone is on equal footing when adopted and biological children learn something new together. It’s also good if you, as parents, are learning something new, too.
Watching a YouTube video to get instructions or taking a class together can build an excellent family rapport. Just be willing to stumble along like everyone else.
Tip #3: Build Trust Through Openness
ANo one, whether they’re outsiders or family members, should ever be allowed to refer to your biological children as your “real kids.” Draw tight boundaries and protect the integrity of your family as a whole.
One way of doing this is to speak openly about adoption. A report published by the National Library of Medicine stated, "Engaging in aspects of birth family contact and having adoption conversations together as a family, including siblings (adopted or not), appears to yield advantageous results for target adoptees.”
Help your biological children understand that their adopted siblings may battle with feelings of rejection and, therefore, perceive words or actions differently. Be sensitive to everyone’s emotions, and when arguments arise, never let it be an “us” vs. “them” fight. Make it clear, as parents, you do not view them as “adopted” or “biological,” but simply your children.
Validating every child’s feelings is essential. Reinforce to your children that you love each of them unconditionally and equally.
Tip #4: Enjoy Typical Sibling Interaction
It’s agonizing for parents when siblings argue, but wonderful when they enjoy being together. Don’t stress over disagreements between your adopted and biological children; after all, they’re siblings. Let them have the freedom to build their relationships on their own.
Not everyone enjoys each other's company, even in a family with all biological kids. Stress that, as siblings, they must watch out for and protect each other. As they grow and interact, encourage their kindness and care for one another.
Contact Adoption Angels for More Information
As a full-service, licensed child-placing agency, Adoption Angels is committed to offering the highest level of care for both expectant and potential adoptive parents. We understand and value the importance of a strong, loving family for every child.
If you are considering adoption to add to your family, we invite you to fill out our interest form. We also provide a list of Adoptive Family Resources.


For many, a blended family is the norm today. Whether through divorce or the loss of a spouse, couples remarry and form new families. Step-siblings and half-siblings add another layer of intricacy, while interracial marriages blend individual cultures.
However, the blending of biological and adopted children has unique challenges that other families don’t face. If you’re contemplating adding to your family through adoption or are already raising both, here are some tips to help build a stronger, loving family bond.
Tip # 1: Celebrate the Differences
Children, no matter if they are biological or adopted, all have different personalities, traits, and interests, but adopted children feel those differences more acutely. They may look completely different from their adopted family or have different likes and dislikes.
Adoptees already have a predisposition to feeling like an outsider. It’s the old nature vs. nurture debate. They see their siblings' physical features and personality similarities with their parents as a constant reminder that they are different.
Be especially sensitive to the idea that parents show favoritism to their biological children over their adopted ones. Comments like “You have your grandmother’s eyes” or “You have your father’s sense of humor " remind your adopted children that they are not blood-related.
Emphasize the uniqueness of everyone in the family and celebrate those differences. If you have an open or semi-open relationship with your adopted child’s birth family, reference them when speaking to your child. Create an atmosphere where everyone feels special.
Tip #2: Learn Something New Together
One child may be gifted athletically, while another may be a talented artist. The key to drawing the family together is finding new, shared experiences. For instance, take up a new family hobby, tackle a home improvement project together, or start a family book club.
Everyone is on equal footing when adopted and biological children learn something new together. It’s also good if you, as parents, are learning something new, too.
Watching a YouTube video to get instructions or taking a class together can build an excellent family rapport. Just be willing to stumble along like everyone else.
Tip #3: Build Trust Through Openness
ANo one, whether they’re outsiders or family members, should ever be allowed to refer to your biological children as your “real kids.” Draw tight boundaries and protect the integrity of your family as a whole.
One way of doing this is to speak openly about adoption. A report published by the National Library of Medicine stated, "Engaging in aspects of birth family contact and having adoption conversations together as a family, including siblings (adopted or not), appears to yield advantageous results for target adoptees.”
Help your biological children understand that their adopted siblings may battle with feelings of rejection and, therefore, perceive words or actions differently. Be sensitive to everyone’s emotions, and when arguments arise, never let it be an “us” vs. “them” fight. Make it clear, as parents, you do not view them as “adopted” or “biological,” but simply your children.
Validating every child’s feelings is essential. Reinforce to your children that you love each of them unconditionally and equally.
Tip #4: Enjoy Typical Sibling Interaction
It’s agonizing for parents when siblings argue, but wonderful when they enjoy being together. Don’t stress over disagreements between your adopted and biological children; after all, they’re siblings. Let them have the freedom to build their relationships on their own.
Not everyone enjoys each other's company, even in a family with all biological kids. Stress that, as siblings, they must watch out for and protect each other. As they grow and interact, encourage their kindness and care for one another.
Contact Adoption Angels for More Information
As a full-service, licensed child-placing agency, Adoption Angels is committed to offering the highest level of care for both expectant and potential adoptive parents. We understand and value the importance of a strong, loving family for every child.
If you are considering adoption to add to your family, we invite you to fill out our interest form. We also provide a list of Adoptive Family Resources.








You don’t have to figure this out on your own. We’re here to help.
Call or text us at (210) 227-2227 or Fill out our confidential contact form below to get started.
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You don’t have to figure this out on your own. We’re here to help.
Call or text us at (210) 227-2227 or Fill out our confidential contact form below to get started.
Available 24/7 • Completely confidential
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Adoption Angels is a licensed adoption agency regulated by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and are required to follow and meet the Minimum Standards for a Child Placing Agency set forth by the Child-Care Licensing Division. We encourage you to call our local licensing office at (210) 337-3490 to verify our status and request a copy of the Minimum Standards and Guidelines for Child Placing Agencies.
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