If you’re trying to decide whether or not to bring your child or children with you to their new sibling’s country of birth, you might find this list helpful:

The Pros

• Your child will get to see his sibling’s country of birth. He/she will be able to tell his/her sibling about their country from personal experience.
• Your child will be able to bond with his/her new sibling without the distractions of regular life.
• He/she will be able to understand exactly where their new sibling is coming from. It may enable them to treat them with more love and patience, and possibly feel less threatened by their arrival in the family.
• Your child will get to see what another country is like.
• He/she will be able to experience another culture—the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of their new sibling’s country.
• Your child will be able to interact with their new sibling’s fellow country-men and women.
• If you are adopting from a country where the people are of another race than you, your child will get to see how it feels to be a minority. It will help him/her understand how their new sibling might feel in their new home.
• If you are traveling to a poor country, your child will be able to understand just how blessed he/she truly is. They will be able to feel compassion for those less fortunate.
• You will not need to arrange for your child to be cared for while you are away.
• You will be able to enjoy your child’s company while traveling—there will be no missing them on your part.
• You can take a family photo in your new child’s birth country.
• Your child will not feel left out when you reminisce about your trip to visit or bring your new child home. They may struggle with sharing mom and dad with their new sibling, and might have some resentment about not being included on the trip; which could carry over to their feelings for their new sibling.
• Your child will have an unforgettable experience that may shape his/her life.
• Your new child will most likely bond easier to the family if his/her sibling is there. Very often a child being adopted will bond and attach to a sibling.
• Your child may help your new child feel less afraid of being with you.
• Not only is it a great emotional opportunity, but also a terrific educational one as well.

Have you traveled with your child? What were the pros about doing so? Would you do it again? If not, why not?

The Cons of Sibling Travel List