Forced adoption?

Does one have to adopt a child?
I have ignored this but today the town is still on yesterday’s (Wednesday) tasks. There was no new rubbish, weeds, rocks, or buried items today, there was no deposit of interest earnings, the Wednesday merchant is still in his tent, the adoption lady and children are still present, and I have no new Town Hall tasks. Mrs Mottershead suggests that I consider adoption. My mayor is 42.

I do not consider. I’m the Mayor I can prioritise tasks as I see fit.

Is this forcing me to adopt in order to progress the game?


I can still collect bugs and slash grass.

I think you have to check in later? Tasks and stuff should refresh after like 6 hours or so. It's been a while since I last played but there were morning and night tasks if I remember correctly. Or maybe you have to wait until morning tomorrow.
As for adoption it's definitely not required to progress! You're "supposed" to adopt according to the devs, but I've abandoned my town a lot and have had mayors retire with no kids. The game just makes you adopt a new peep like when you started.