Here is Kathy’s list of considerations when thinking about the adoption of an older child.  This list is timely considering the imminent release of new children from Eastern Europe on the CWA Hope Project site. Older children have different needs than a toddler or infant, but are no less worthy of a loving, forever family.

When considering an older child adoption, are you willing to accept an older child:

• who doesn’t know how to play?
• who hoards food or toys?
• who will need extra help with schoolwork?
• who may need a tutor to help with schoolwork?
• who speaks another language?
• who doesn’t want to sleep at night?
• with unexpected medical problems?
• who acts out sexually inappropriate behaviors?
• who runs away from you?
• who is friendly toward strangers?
• who rejects you?
• who doesn’t want to be held or touched?
• who needs to sleep with you at night?
• who has many fears?
• who has aggressive behavior toward people and pets?
• who tantrums?
• who misbehaves in school?
• who doesn’t get along with his siblings?
• who lies?
• who steals?
• who is immature?

Older children are often adopted by families who already have children in the home.  Please be sure to consider family dynamics, birth order of the children in your home already and where the new child will fit.  Additionally, be prepared to add normal hormonal changes inherent to adolescence to the considerations listed above.

The blessings of parenting an older child are rich and full.  If you are ready to experience the joys of adopting an older child, visit the CWA Hope Project site.  The CWA Hope Project is updated often and more children will be added to the Eastern European page soon.