Stopping the Stork: How to Disable Child Adoption in The Sims 4

The Sims 4 offers a myriad of gameplay options, allowing players to tailor their virtual lives to match their preferences. Sometimes, this means preventing certain events from occurring, such as child adoption. Whether you’re creating a specific storyline or simply don’t want your Sims to expand their families through adoption, there are ways to control this aspect of the game.

The most straightforward method to disable child adoption in The Sims 4 involves using mods. Specifically, the Story Progression (SP) mod, or similar mods like “Castle: Age,” offer options to fine-tune various aspects of your Sims’ lives, including adoption. Within these mods, you can typically find a setting to “Allow the adoption = false“. Activating this setting will prevent your Sims from initiating or participating in child adoptions.

Understanding Adoption Dynamics in The Sims 4

Before diving into the technicalities, it’s important to understand how adoption works in The Sims 4. Any Young Adult or older Sim can adopt a baby, toddler, or child through their phone, under the ‘Household > Hire a Service’ option. The game then presents a panel of available children. Adoption is gated only by a §1,000 fee and the household limit of eight Sims (including humans, cats, and dogs). Without intervention, the game’s story progression might lead your Sims to consider adoption even if it doesn’t fit your narrative.

Step-by-Step Guide to Disabling Adoption

Here’s a detailed guide on how to use the Story Progression mod to disable adoption:

1. Download the Story Progression Mod: Locate a reputable source for the Story Progression mod. Ensure the mod is compatible with your current version of The Sims 4. Reliable modding communities can be found online.

2. Install the Mod: Extract the downloaded files into your “Mods” folder, typically located in DocumentsElectronic ArtsThe Sims 4Mods. Ensure that script mods are enabled in your game settings (Options > Game Options > Other).

3. Load Your Game: Launch The Sims 4 and load the save game you wish to modify.

4. Access Sim Options: Find the Sim you want to configure, and click on them. Depending on the mod’s interface, you might find a menu option labeled “SP,” “Story Progression,” or something similar.

5. Modify Adoption Settings: Navigate through the mod’s menu to find the “Sim Options” or “Household Options” section. Look for the setting that controls adoption. It might be phrased as “Allow Adoption,” “Enable Adoption,” or similar.

6. Set Adoption to False: Change the value of this setting to “False” or disable the checkbox, depending on the mod’s interface. This will prevent the selected Sim (or household) from initiating adoptions.

7. Save and Play: Save your changes within the mod’s menu and resume playing the game. Adoptions should now be disabled for the configured Sim or household.

Alternative Methods and Considerations

While mods provide the most direct control, other approaches can indirectly influence adoption rates:

• Household Management: Carefully manage your Sims’ traits and aspirations. Sims with traits like “Family-Oriented” might be more inclined toward adoption through story progression.
• Gameplay Choices: The choices you make in your Sims’ lives influence story progression. Avoiding interactions that promote family expansion can reduce the likelihood of adoption suggestions.
• Game Settings: Explore any built-in game settings that might indirectly affect adoption. Although The Sims 4 doesn’t have a specific “disable adoption” toggle, future updates or expansion packs might introduce such features.

FAQs: Addressing Your Adoption Concerns

Here are some frequently asked questions about adoption in The Sims 4:

How do I enable testingcheats for shift-clicking Sims?

To enable testing cheats, open the cheat console by pressing Ctrl + Shift + C. Type “testingcheats true” and press enter. This allows you to shift-click on Sims for various interactions, including adding them to the household.

What is the cheat to add a Sim to my household?

With testingcheats enabled, Shift+click on the Sim you want to add and select “Add to Family” or “Add to Household.” Remember, this doesn’t create familial relationships; it just adds them to your household.

Can Sims adopt stepchildren in The Sims 4?

Yes, with the Growing Together expansion pack, Sims can now adopt stepchildren, acknowledging modern family dynamics. This requires a positive relationship and living in the same household.

Why can’t my Sim adopt a child?

Several factors can prevent adoption: insufficient funds (less than §1,000), exceeding the household limit (eight Sims including pets), or mod settings that disable adoption.

How do I edit adopted Sims in The Sims 4?

To edit a Sim in Create-A-Sim (CAS), ensure the Sim is present. Open the cheat console (Ctrl + Shift + C), type “testingcheats true,” press enter, then type “cas.fulleditmode” and press enter again. Now, Shift+click on the Sim and select “Modify in CAS.”

Can I rename adopted children in Sims 4?

Yes, you can rename an adopted child. When the adoption is complete, the Sim is permanently added to the family. At this point, you can change their name through a mirror or dresser.

How do I know if my Sim adopted a child successfully?

Adoption costs §1,000, and the adoptive parent will immediately leave to collect the child. A baby will appear in a bassinet, and a pop-up will introduce the new family member.

What happens when you adopt a Sim as a care dependent?

Adopting a younger Sim as a “care dependent” doesn’t change their relationship but allows the caretaker to discipline the younger Sim’s behavior. This is useful for siblings or grandparents.

Can you adopt your spouse’s child in Sims 4?

Yes, Sims can adopt their partner’s children if they’re in a relationship, engaged, or married, and they must live in the same household as the child. With the Growing Together expansion, adoption of stepchildren became easier.

How do I stop a pregnancy in Sims 4?

To terminate a pregnancy, open the cheat console (Ctrl + Shift + C) and enter “sims.removeallbuffs pregnancy_in labor“. Press enter to execute the command.

How many kids can you have on The Sims 4?

A household can have a maximum of eight Sims. You can have multiple births by increasing the pregnancy size in the game files, but this can be unstable without mods designed to handle it.

Why did my child get taken away in Sims 4?

Children are taken away by social services when their needs are severely neglected for an extended period. Ensure their hunger, hygiene, and other needs are met to prevent this.

How do I delete unwanted babies on Sims 4?

Shift+right click on the baby and select “Delete” or “Destroy Object“. Be cautious, as this action is irreversible. Alternatively, you can use a mod that allows for safer and more nuanced family planning options.

Can Sims get abortions in Sims 4?

The Sims 4 base game does not include the option for abortions. However, custom mods are available that add this functionality, though they are unofficial and use is at your own risk.

How do I stop a Sim from adopting a pet in Sims 3?

The “Sim Options Allow Adoption” option will disable adoption of new pets, but not stop new pregnancies. Note that this option will also stop human adoptions as well.

The End Result: Tailoring Your Sims Experience

By understanding how adoption works in The Sims 4 and utilizing mods or strategic gameplay choices, you can effectively control whether your Sims expand their families through adoption. This level of customization allows you to craft unique and engaging stories that align with your vision for your Sims’ lives. Remember that the virtual world is yours to shape, and every decision you make contributes to the rich tapestry of your gameplay experience.

For further exploration into the educational aspects of gaming, consider visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. This community explores how games can positively impact learning and development.