dadopting
Dadopting is a neologism used to describe the process by which a male caregiver becomes a parent through formal adoption or through arrangements that establish a legal father–child relationship. The term blends “dad” and “adopting” and is most often encountered in online parenting discussions and informal conversations about family formation. It does not represent a distinct legal category; rather, it highlights the paternal role within adoptive, foster-to-adopt, or step-parent adoption scenarios.
Etymology and usage of the term are informal. It emerged in online communities during the 2010s as
Forms of dadopting can include formal adoption by a male guardian, step-parent adoption in which a man
Legal status: The label itself does not confer any legal status. The rights and duties associated with
Criticism and alternatives: Some critics view dadopting as a casual or redundant term; others find it a
See also: Adoption, Foster care, Step-parent adoption, Guardianship.