By India McCarty
Could STRANGER THINGS star Millie Bobby Brown’s recent adoption spark a similar trend in fellow Gen Zers?
“This summer, we welcomed our sweet baby girl through adoption,” Brown and husband Jake Bongiovi posted on Instagram. “We are beyond excited to embark on this beautiful next chapter of parenthood in both peace and privacy.”
Related: Millie Bobby Brown, Husband Jake Bongiovi Adopt Baby Girl: ‘Beyond Excited’
Now, experts are predicting an uptick in young people — Brown is 21, while Bongiovi is 23 — showing an interest in parenthood.
“Becoming a mother at 21 is not unusual, and the biological clock concept encourages women to conceive sooner than later,” Psychologist Dr. Michele Leno told the Daily Mail. “However, it’s not every day that we see someone looking to adopt at 21. Her decision may spark curiosity and motivation for those Gen Z interested in becoming a parent. Some may consider adoption as a short-term goal.”
Leno added, “Some will explore adoption as a first resort simply because they realize it is an option they have never considered. Sometimes we don’t think about our available options until someone, in this case a celebrity, reminds us.”
Kelly Oriard, a licensed family therapist and co-founder of Slumberkins, a children’s education and emotional wellness brand, shared that the couple’s decision to adopt is “a real opportunity to broaden cultural conversation about what it can mean to build a family.”
“Many younger generations are already choosing to be led by essential self-reflection in their life choices, and Millie’s transparent acceptance of her identity could further normalize non-linear life choices,” she continued. “When celebrities make big life decisions, and choose to share the journey with something like adoption that often comes with stigmas, it can do a great job of reframing that narrative.”
Brown has previously spoken about adoption, telling the “Smartless” podcast earlier this year, “For me, I don’t see having your own child as really any different as adopting. My home is full of love for anyone and anything. And so, that is what we kind of stand by. The energy in our house is the door is always open, and we want everyone to feel comfortable.”
So far, Brown and Bongiovi have kept their daughter out of the public eye, but a source close to the couple told PEOPLE, “[Brown is] so young, but so focused. And she has the biggest heart. There’s no doubt that she’s a great mom. Pretty much everything she sets her mind to, she crushes.”
“And they have really worked on creating this special family life in Georgia,” the source continued. “She loves her farm — it’s going to be such a special place for the baby to grow up. Even before they were married, she often spoke about her wish to be a young mom. And Jake was always on the same page. They’re in it together.”
Brown and Bongiovi’s recent decision to adopt could be a strong factor in opening up the conversation among young people about starting families of their own.
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