Why Adopt an Older Child?

In adoption we are offered many choices of what type of child we would like to adopt. We have no choices with our biological children. In adoption, an older child is usually classified as age 2 or older...no longer a baby. What are some advantages to adopting an older child?

* You can learn about their interests, their abilities and what type of personality they have.

* You have more of a history on illnesses, skills, developmental milestones, etc. that can be evaluated by a specialist or doctor.

* You can match a child similar to you in looks and/or personality type.

* Certain disorders like Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or Fetal Alcohol Effects cannot be diagnosed in babies, but can be in older children.

* Older children can do things on their own and are less demanding than a baby. They can use the bathroom, get dressed, play alone, and more.

* Older children can interact and play with you right from the start.

* They have some memories of their earlier life, giving you some insight to their personality.

There are disadvantages to adopting older children also, like learning all the above things, but for the most part adopting an older child will add plenty of wonderful moments in your family life.