Making Deliberate Choices to Adopt
23-year-old teacher Tasia Taylor, and her husband Drew, also a 25-year-old teacher, made the conscious choice to be parents last year. They adopted two teenage daughters—Rory, a 13-year-old, and Tamiray, 15.
Source: @tasiaactaylor/TikTok
The couple initially decided to open their home and hearts to kids as old as six, but during the adoption process, they were asked to take on Rory.
A Happy Home Filled With Foster Kids
Tasia and Drew have always been passionate about working with families and helping people recover. The couple wanted to have a happy home with foster kids, and in 2022, they began the journey with the Department of Children and Family Services.
Source: YouTube
After taking in Rory, they adopted Tamiray, Tasia’s cousin. Both Tasia and Drew now have full custody of both girls.
The Best Family Decision Ever
The adoption news went viral, and the couple faced backlash from internet users. Despite the statements, their video on TikTok gained seven million views, a considerable feat. According to the couple, their decision was the best thing they had ever done.
Source: YouTube
They said, “We truly look younger than we are, but we do not feel the age difference in our family dynamic.”
Navigating the Sea of Female Child Triggers
“People always have something to say about the issue, and our requests as parents are not always taken seriously,” said the couple.
Source: YouTube
Tasia explained further that, “Even with our extensive training on trauma in adolescents, coupled with our own experiences as educators, it can be hard to navigate the girls’ triggers, and we are working hard every day to be the best support system we can be for the girls.”
“I Can't Wait To Be An Empty Nester By The Time I’m Thirty”
The mother, Tasia, from Dardanelle, Arkansas, has another reason for having children early. “I’m only 23 and have adopted two teenagers,” says Tasia. “I can’t wait to be an empty nester by age 30.”
Source: YouTube
No matter how much parents love their children, there will always be a special type of happiness that comes when the birds leave the nest.
Training Procedures and Background Checks
The whole process of adopting both girls felt long to both parents. This wasn’t a problem because they were determined. According to Tasia, they had to undergo some training procedures and even background checks.
Source: YouTube
After the department persuaded them to adopt Rory, the youngest, she moved into their house right away on April 1, 2022. Tasia and Drew had less than 24 hours’ notice before becoming full-time parents.
A Big Deciding Factor in Adoption is Consent
Adopting children is a challenging thing to do. The adopting parents can feel like they are walking on eggshells wherever the kids are involved. In the end, it mostly boils down to determination.
Source: YouTube
“When Rory first moved in, we didn’t know that we would be able to adopt her, or if she would even want to be adopted, but we knew that we would be a safe place for her,” Tasia said. “The biggest deciding factor in her adoption was her consent,” the couple noted.
Skipping Vital Stages in Adoption
Although the couple was new to having kids, neither girl was a stranger to Tasia. Tasia taught Rory in school and is Tamiray’s cousin. Fortunately for the family, they skipped the initial “breaking the ice” and “getting to know each other” phase most adopting parents usually go through with their adopted kids.
Source: YouTube
Being familiar with either one or both adults is an advantage for the kids and the relationship they will foster.
Our Parents Are Always In Us No Matter How Far We Go
Tasia and Drew demonstrated that age does not necessarily determine how good or bad a parent will be. What matters most is having good intentions and doing your best to see it through.
Source: YouTube
Becoming a parent, regardless of age, means having new and crucial responsibilities to oneself and others. Parenthood can enhance one’s psychological growth, self-esteem, and well-being. Parenting children augments self-confidence and a sense of fulfillment.