Adopting an Older Child
Adopting an older child I often hear families express doubt as to their ability to parent an older adopted child. I found the following article from NCFA, Preparation and Support for Older Child Adoptions: NCFA Survey and Conference Feedback, Y: JAMEL ROWE, WITH MELISSA BLAUVELT AND RHONDA JAREMA, to contain valuable insights and suggestions. What should I expect? You should know that once your child comes home, they are carrying lots of history with them. Some trauma, abuse or neglect are normal. Older children are going to carry with them a lot more than a younger child typically would. Parenting these older children will not necessarily come easily but the experience will be so rewarding. ***Tip*** "Empathy, understanding the thoughts and feelings of another, is a learned skill, and grows only through consistent practice and follow-through. It is an especially important skill for adoptive parents to acquire." "First unde...