By Alison Hurtado | Point of View
Each November, we observe National Adoption Month, a time to spread awareness about and to encourage others to learn about adoption, to hold adoption related events, and to acknowledge the people in this country whose lives have been impacted by adoption.
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, including:
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. With the holidays are right around the corner, now is the perfect time to consider beginning your foster care or adoption journey. For more information or to take the first step, please visit www.childcrisisaz.org.
Editor’s Note: Allison Hurtado is a former foster parent and senior grants specialist at Child Crisis Arizona
