Check out the video on my YouTube channel HERE.
So you’re creating your adoption profile and you want to put your best foot forward. I totally get it! But before you go all “extra” on that profile, let’s talk about what you should NOT include. Because let’s be real – this is your chance to make a stellar first impression, and we don’t want to blow it!
First, what even IS an adoption profile? It’s basically your family’s highlight reel – an electronic and physical book that introduces you to expecting moms who are looking for the right adoptive family. It’s their first glimpse into your world before they decide if they want to meet you for what we call a “match meeting.” No pressure or anything!
1. Personal Contact Information
Numero uno on the no-no list: your personal contact information. I know, I know – you want to be accessible. But trust me on this one. Your profile might end up in places you never intended (hello, random corners of social media!). I’ve literally seen profiles end up in the hands of people who aren’t supportive of adoption, and that’s just not a situation you want to deal with.
Save the phone number and email address exchange for after you’ve had that match meeting and both sides are feeling the connection. Your future self will thank you for not having random strangers from the internet showing up at your doorstep. Just saying.
2. Unflattering Photos
Remember that saying about not getting a second chance to make a first impression? That’s like, the golden rule of adoption profiles. This is NOT the time for that candid selfie shot or that beach photo where you’re looking a little too “free-spirited” (read: skimpy bikini photos – let’s keep it PG, folks).
I highly recommend investing in professional photos – ones that capture your authentic moments but, you know, with good lighting. Think you and your partner cooking in the kitchen (if that’s your jam), gardening, or playing with your pets. Take photos SPECIFICALLY for your profile that showcase your everyday life in its best light. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE be sure you change your outfits between photo shoots/locations!! The time and care you put into your profile photos says volumes about how seriously you’re taking this whole adoption thing. An expecting mom notices these details!
3. Photos Without Context
Nothing says “I rushed this” like a bunch of random photos with zero explanation (or you wearing the same outfit in EVERY photo). Don’t just write “Me in the backyard.” BORING! Tell us what you’re doing in that backyard! Are you having an epic water balloon fight? Growing prize-winning tomatoes? Building a chicken coop for your future feathered friends?
And please, don’t include photos of random family members without explaining who they are! Why are these people important enough to make it into your profile? Is that your sister who you’ve been best friends with since you were in diapers? Your college roommate who’s now your neighbor and unofficial family member? Give context!
These descriptions aren’t just filler – they’re how an expecting mom starts to piece together who you really are as a family. They matter WAY more than you think.
4. Anything That’s Not 100% True
This should be obvious, but I’m gonna say it anyway: BE YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF. Nothing would be more devastating than an expecting mom thinking she’s matched with a particular kind of family based on their profile, and then meeting completely different people.
After 30+ years in adoption, I can’t tell you how magical it is to watch an expecting mom find that perfect match – that family she just clicks with. And it happens because people are being their genuine selves. Trust the process! The right mama will find you if you’re being YOU, not some polished, perfect version of yourself that doesn’t actually exist.
5. Promises You Can’t Keep
Last but definitely not least – don’t make promises in your profile that you have zero intention of keeping. Or even ones you’re iffy about. If there’s ANY doubt about whether you can follow through, save those discussions for later when you can have real conversations about expectations.
Broken promises are the fastest way to damage trust, and trust is the foundation of every healthy adoption relationship. So if you’re not 1000% sure you can deliver on something, keep it out of your profile.
So there you have it! Five things to avoid in your adoption profile if you want to make a genuine connection with an expecting mom. Remember, this isn’t about creating a picture-perfect family image – it’s about finding the right match for a lifelong relationship.
If you’re just starting your adoption journey and want more guidance on creating your profile or navigating the whole process, check out my All About Adoption 101 course.
Ready to explore different adoption paths? The Avenues of Adoption course has got you covered.
This blog post is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Our services are not financial, business, or legal advice. The information presented here is not a guarantee that you will obtain any results or earn any money using our content. Adoption & Beyond, Inc. owns all copyrights to the materials presented here unless otherwise noted.
