When most people think of adoption, their mind goes directly to the babies and toddlers who depend on loving adults to care for them around the clock, but in Arizona there are thousands of teens looking for a forever home. In fact, according to the latest report from the Department of Child Safety, there are nearly 3,500 teens and young adults in foster care in Arizona. This age group may shy away from cuddles and hugs but teens have just as much a need for unconditional love as younger children.
There are so many reasons to consider opening your home to a teen, but here are five of my favorites:
- Less Tantrums. Anyone can have emotional outbursts, and teens are no exception, but with an older child, you likely won’t encounter the all-out, on the floor, full body tantrums that two and three year olds present. You may have a few doors slammed and a few choice words from time to time, but at least it won’t be over handing them the wrong colored cup!
- Learn New Lingo. Just like parents of toddlers seem to pick up a new language as their child begins to form their first words, you’ll pick up on new slang as well. Once you hear it a few times, you might just smile to yourself when you can work it into conversation and really make them cringe.
- Elevated Sense of Humor. The most important thing to prepare before fostering or adopting a teen is your sense of humor. Teens can joke and communicate in a way that toddlers and babies cannot. While this may get them into trouble sometimes, it’s a joy to help them develop their own sense of humor and discover what is really fun about life.
- Exposure to Different Cultures. Teens come into your home with years of life experience. Their life experiences may not be ideal to you, but no matter the circumstances they come from they have their own traditions and culture that can add to and enhance your own life. You can help them sort the good memories from the bad and build new traditions for the future.
- Plenty of Firsts. When you adopt a teen from foster care, you may miss their first steps or first words but you will never forget their first date, first driving lesson or first job. These small milestones create lasting memories in a person’s life and are always more exciting when you have someone to share them with.
No matter the age of the child, we all crave connection and love, and that is something no one ever outgrows. If you have love to give, there are thousands of children in Arizona who could use your support and your open heart is just as valuable as your open mind.
Meet Morgan and Nate who opened their hearts and adopted 14-year-old, Erianne. Their story speaks directly to the power of providing security and stability to a teen in need:
With the holidays are right around the corner, now is the perfect time to consider beginning your foster care or adoption journey. You can learn more about foster care and adoption through a virtual meet and greet. Find all the info here.