26 Lovely Messages to Write in an Adoption Card

What to say to someone who just adopted a child?

Adoption can be a long and complicated journey with plenty of ups and downs along the way. You've watched, supported and cheered from the side-lines and finally they get to welcome the newest member(s) to their family. Congratulate adoptive parents with warmth and joy, focusing on the celebration of their family rather than the process. Keep messages positive, focusing on love and welcoming the child home. 

Of course, you want to celebrate this adoption with a gift or card worthy of such a special occasion. If you're still looking for a card, check out our range of personalised laser cut adoption cards here.

And if you're looking for some inspiration for what to write inside an adoption card, we've got you. Here are some of our most favourite, heart-warming and beautiful quotes and messages. 

Beautiful Adoption Quotes

• "There are no unwanted children, just unfound families.” — The National Adoption Centre
• “Being a mother is an attitude, not a biological relation.” — Robert A. Heinlein
• "It doesn't matter who you are or what you look like, so long as somebody loves you." —Roald Dahl, The Witches
• “You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.” — Desmond Tutu
• “When people tell me how lucky my children are, I offer a reply that upholds the girls’ dignity while acknowledging the complicated truth. ‘No,’ I say, ‘we are all blessed to have found each other.’” — Julie Higgenbotham

• “Adoption – because family isn’t made from blood, it’s made from love.” — Unknown
• “Adoption is the most intentional process on Earth.” — Jody Cantrell Dyer
• “The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other’s life.” — Richard Bach
• “Never let the odds keep you from doing what you know in your heart you were meant to do.” — H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
• “Little souls find their way to you, whether they’re from your womb or someone else’s.” — Sheryl Crow

• “Somehow destiny comes into play. These children end up with you and you end up with them. It’s something quite magical.” —Nicole Kidman
• “All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” — Helen Keller
• “Families don’t have to match. You don’t have to look like someone else to love them.” — Leigh Anne Tuohy
• “I have four children. Two are adopted. I forget which two.” — Bob Constantine
• “Adoption is a journey of faith, from beginning to end.” — Johnny Carr
• “Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother.” — Oprah Winfrey

Heartfelt Adoption Messages to Write in a Card

• Happy ever after begins now.
• Congratulations. We are so happy you found each other. 
• Some things are absolutely worth the wait. 
• We're over the moon for you all.
• Congratulations on your newest addition to your wonderful family. Enjoy every second. 
• I’m sure the road to this day was anything but smooth, but we are cheering you all on!
• Parenthood is a privilege and a blessing. I cannot think of a more deserving couple than you. 
• So happy for you guys, enjoy every moment together.
• I'm here for you if you need anything in this new phase.
• Parenthood looks amazing on you—congratulations!
• Congratulations on beginning this amazing parenting adventure.

What Not to Say to Adoptive Parents

Navigating a conversation around adoption can feel difficult, especially when the child is older. Here are some things to avoid: 

“They're so lucky to have you.” - Even though this is meant with the best intentions, it comes with an implied "you're doing something charitable by adopting them", which is not the case. Children who have experienced trauma don’t feel “lucky”, while they may hold gratitude for their adoptive family, they may not feel lucky after what they've experienced in life so far.

"What issues do they have?" - Erm... what issues do you have?! We all have issues. Whatever the child may or may not have experienced is none of your concern. 

"It must be hard adopting an older child" -Adopting a child at any age is a reason to celebrate. Focus on the positives only, please. 

"[Name] is right where they belong!" - Even though this statement comes with the best intentions, suggesting a child belongs with someone other than their biological family can trivialize the pain of separation that they may have experienced.

"Happy Gotcha Day," -many adoptive families prefer not to use this term. The word "gotcha" is typically used for catching a ball, squashing a bug, or playing a prank. "Gotcha" describes the event from the perspective of the parents (who "got" the child), and using this word can imply ownership. It can also feel like it glosses over the loss and trauma that the child may have suffered. 

Final Thoughts

Adoption can be a magical, positive, life-changing experience for both the parents and the child, but it is also often tinged with an element of loss, trauma or sadness. When sending an adoption card, it's best to focus on the positives with messages of congratulations and offers of support. You never know what someone has been through to get to this point, so be sure to write with sensitivity and compassion so that your good intentions will be appreciated.