Why Can’t I Adopt in The Sims 4? Troubleshooting the Adoption Option

So, you’re ready to expand your Sim family through adoption but the option just isn’t showing up in The Sims 4. Frustrating, right? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! There are several reasons why the adoption option might be missing. The most common reasons are:

• Household Size Limit: Your Sim household is already at the maximum size of eight Sims (including humans, cats, and dogs). Adoption isn’t possible until you free up a slot.
• Incompatible Household Structure: The game requires either a single Sim (Young Adult, Adult, or Elder) or a household where both parents are not present to adopt a child through the “Adopt a Child” option. If there are already two parents in the household, this will not be available.
• Age Restrictions: Only Young Adult, Adult, and Elder Sims can initiate the adoption process.
• Game Glitches: Sometimes, a bug or glitch can prevent the option from appearing.
• Conflicting Mods: If you are using mods, one or more may interfere with the adoption process.
• Incorrect Interaction: You are trying to adopt by clicking the “Adopt” option under “Friendly” on an existing child. The “Adopt a Child” option must be selected by calling the Adoption agency with your Sim’s phone.
• Affordability: While the fee is just §1,000, your Sim family must possess the simoleons necessary to cover this expense to initiate the adoption.

Delving Deeper: Unpacking the Adoption Process in The Sims 4

Let’s break down the adoption process to pinpoint where things might be going wrong. In The Sims 4, adoption, while seemingly simple, has a few crucial prerequisites. Unlike some real-world adoption scenarios, there are no lengthy home studies or interviews (phew!). Instead, the game focuses on practical considerations: can your Sim afford it, and is there room in the house?

To initiate adoption, your Sim needs to use their phone. Navigate to the Household option and then select “Adopt a Child”. This will bring up a selection of children available for adoption. If this option isn’t present, revisit the list above to check common reasons.

If you want to adopt a stray pet, which involves a slightly different method. You need to befriend the stray first. Once your Sim has a high enough relationship with the stray, the option to “Adopt” will appear in the interaction menu. This method is exclusively for adopting stray animals.

Troubleshooting: What to Do When the Adoption Option is Missing

Okay, so you’ve identified a potential reason the adoption option is missing. Now what? Here’s a systematic approach to troubleshooting:

1. Check Household Size: This is the easiest and most common fix. If you have eight Sims (or pets), you’ll need to either move a Sim out, have a Sim pass away, or rehome a pet.
2. Verify Sim Age: Make sure the Sim initiating the adoption is a Young Adult, Adult, or Elder. Teenagers can’t adopt.
3. Restart the Game: Sometimes, simply restarting the game can resolve minor glitches.
4. Repair the Game: In Origin or the EA App, you can repair your game files. This can fix corrupted data that might be causing the issue.
5. Test Without Mods: Temporarily remove your mods folder (or move it to your desktop) and see if the adoption option reappears. If it does, then a mod is the culprit. You’ll need to add your mods back in batches to identify the conflicting one.
6. Update Your Game: Make sure your game is fully updated. Updates often include bug fixes that could address this issue.
7. Double-Check Interactions: Ensure you’re using the correct interaction. Remember, “Adopt a Child” is found on the phone under the Household option, while adopting a stray animal requires building a relationship first and then using the “Adopt” interaction.
8. Ensure the household structure is correct. Only one adult is needed. If there are two adults in the household, adoption using the “Adopt a Child” option will not be available.

FAQs: Your Burning Adoption Questions Answered

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the adoption process in The Sims 4:

1. Can Sims adopt a baby?

Yes, Sims can adopt infants, as well as toddlers and children.

2. How much does it cost to adopt a child in The Sims 4?

The initial fee for adopting a child is §1,000.

3. Can I adopt more than one child at a time?

Typically, no. You adopt one child at a time and must go through the process again for each additional child.

4. Can my Sim adopt a child if they already have biological children?

Yes, Sims can adopt a child even if they already have biological children.

5. What happens after I adopt a child?

The adopted child immediately becomes a member of your household. You’ll need to care for their needs, teach them skills, and build a relationship with them, just like any other Sim child.

6. Can I adopt a child as a single parent?

Absolutely! In fact, the “Adopt a Child” option requires either a single Sim or a family without both parents to function properly.

7. Can I adopt a stray pet and a child in the same household?

Yes, you can have both adopted children and adopted pets in the same household, as long as you don’t exceed the household size limit of eight.

8. What if I don’t like the children available for adoption?

The selection of children available for adoption is randomized. If you don’t like the options, you can cancel the adoption process and try again later. The list will refresh.

9. Can I adopt a child who was previously taken away by social services?

If the Sim was the neglectful parent who had the child taken away, then this Sim will likely not be able to adopt another child. However, another household can adopt the child.

10. Can stepchildren be adopted in The Sims 4?

Yes! As of the Growing Together expansion pack, stepparents can officially adopt their stepchildren, reflecting modern family dynamics.

11. How do I adopt a stray pet?

Befriend the stray by using friendly interactions, such as giving treats and playing with them. Once your Sim has a high enough relationship with the stray, the “Adopt” interaction will appear.

12. Can I adopt a pet off the grid?

Yes! If your Sim befriends the pet off their home lot and raises the relationship meter high enough, the “Adopt” social interaction will appear, even when living off the grid.

13. Are there any mods that affect adoption in The Sims 4?

Yes, many mods can alter the adoption process, add more realism, or introduce new adoption options. However, be aware that mods can sometimes conflict with each other or with game updates, so always keep them updated and test them carefully.

14. Can I adopt a foster child in The Sims 4?

Yes, you can adopt a foster child using mods that introduce a foster care system. This is not available in the base game. If you use the foster family pie menu, you’ll have the option to adopt the Kid/Pet yourself. To prevent accidental adoptions you’ll have to confirm a Notification first.

15. My Sim adopted a child, but the child’s needs are constantly low. What should I do?

Taking care of children in The Sims 4 can be demanding! Make sure your Sim is prioritizing the child’s needs, such as feeding, bathing, and socializing. Hiring a Nanny via phone if you get overwhelmed taking care of them all. Building skills like parenting will help your Sim effectively meet the child’s needs and address any behavioral issues.

Final Thoughts: Creating Your Dream Family

Adoption in The Sims 4 is a fantastic way to create diverse and loving families. By understanding the game’s mechanics and troubleshooting common issues, you can successfully navigate the adoption process and add new dimensions to your Sim’s lives. Remember to consider the household size, Sim age, and potential mod conflicts. Now go forth and build your dream family!

If you’re interested in learning more about the educational potential of games, be sure to check out the GamesLearningSociety.org or Games Learning Society website. You might be surprised at the depth and breadth of knowledge that can be gained through gaming!