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Off Your Rocker?
Should You Adopt When You're Older?
By Elise Kaplan
When mature people are bitten by the adoption bug, their motivation may differ from that of their younger counterparts. Infertility or the pressure of societal conventions are unlikely to be factors. "Part of it is the empty nest thing, and that's OK," says Ellen McDaniel of Massachusetts. "But most of the reason for me to do it is: 'Why can't I? I have a lot of life and love to give, so why shouldn't I?'"
In certain respects, having a young child around the house makes those mature parents feel younger; but one quality they may covet is stamina. Racing after a toddler or preschooler takes more of a toll in your 40s or 50s than it does in your 20s or 30s. Poisson-Dollar developed tendonitis in both wrists from carrying Hana in the weeks following her homecoming from Ethiopia.
The weeks or months of waiting are an ordeal that most adopting parents go through, but it is time that they can put to good use – and not just with a strength-training program. "Take some time to figure out your support plans before you bring [your] children home," Poisson-Dollar says. "You're going to need a break. Figure out how you're going to recharge your batteries. Also, adopted kidsneed other kids, and they need structure. Line up daycare ahead of time if you can."