Adopting Older Children:
Are You Adopting an Older Child?

Most parents wanting to adopt will shy away from adopting older children simply because older kids come with pre-existing problems and behaviors. They often already have existing character traits that you may not find desirable.

Also, if they have experienced anything traumatic in their past, you will need to help them cope with it. Adopting older kids may require less care physically, but they will likely need greater support mentally and emotionally.

However, the advantages of adopting older children far outway the disadvantages.

    • You can talk to an older child about their interests and abilities.

    They usually have some memories of their earlier life, giving you some insight to their personality. The child can communicate with you and tell you what they need and want.

    • As their adoptive parent you will get a better sense of their past and present medical issues, skills and developmental milestones.

    • You will get a better feel as to whether you will be able to establish a bond with the child and you will know if there is a connection between the two of you.

    • You will be able to match a child similar to you in looks and personality type.

    • Such disorders as Fetal Alchohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effects can be diagnosed in older children, but not in babies.

    • An older child is usually less demanding than a baby. All depending on their age, older children can do things for themselves such as eating, bathing, dressing, playing and doing chores on their own.

Together you will experience many wonderful moments along with some challenges. But for the most part, you can be proud of what they accomplish in life because you have a pretty good idea of what their life would have been like if you or someone hadn’t adopted them.


The Demands of Adopting a Baby


There are always two sides to every coin and raising a baby isn’t just about warm cuddles and cute toothless smiles. It also means waking in the night for feedings and diaper changes.

There are huge costs involved when raising a baby, you’d be surprised at just how much you will have to spend when purchasing baby supplies, food and furniture! Are you ready for all those demands?

Don’t get me wrong, adopting a baby is wonderful, but the biggest problem you may run into is that compared to adopting older children, there are less babies out there to be adopted.

So, ask yourself, is adopting older children the way to go? An older child adoption can certainly be accomplished in less time, there are pros and cons, just as there is with pretty much anything in life. But, ultimately, the final decisions would have to be yours!

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Related Articles

When Your Adopted Child Speaks a Different Language
Are you an adoptive parent considering older child adoption? Do they speak a foreign language? How do you overcome this obstacle?

Sibling Adoption
In a sibling adoption, every effort is made to keep them together, however in many cases, these children may find themselves living apart. The main reason is economic necessity.

Adult Adoption
Why consider an adult adoption? Advantages for the Adoptee and Adopting Parent.
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