Parents Open Up About Their Experience Adopting Teenagers | Today
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- Опубліковано 27 тра 2019
- While most people think of babies when it comes to adoption, there are many older children in need of families. Lauren and Nelson Cano open up about their experience being adopted as adolescents, and their parents Jeremey and Joslyn Ahlgren share what it was like to adopt older children.
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Parents Open Up About Their Experience Adopting Teenagers | Today
"They're just our children to us and we just happen to get them later in life" beautifully said Jeremey.
Isa_Bella i read this right as it came to that point in the video
@@MaddiHenderson same it was so weird
Maddi Henderson SAME wtf
@@MaddiHenderson OMG SAME WTH
Isa_Bella brought a tear to my eye hits home I was adopted and went though the same thing it’s good what people can do to change a child’s life forever xx
that's my freakin professor!!!!!!!! Let me just brag about this woman for a moment: Dr. A is always(!!!) there for her students and is quite literally the most dedicated professor, this past spring she organized an entire research symposium dedicated to raising awareness about transgender health/medicine, AND she spends her free time raising awareness for adoption??? amazing. AMAZING.
Fran C what college does she teach at?? That is so great ❤️❤️❤️
University of Florida
Wow!!!!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Wow@Fran
Awesome
I met Nelson when I worked at his school as a tutor. Didn't know his story until now and wow it's amazing. He stood up for me when kids would disrespect me, this gentleman is going places. bless this family.
Sure ya did.
same we went to ncf together,
super cool guy
👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽😊
@@wazawana7939 whys it so hard to believe one person out of hundreds of thousands who's seen this video has met him lmao
@@tabbycat3610 because it's simple, they just want attention so they make up a lie.
I knew a 17-year old girl from my school, her parents died and she didn’t have family in this country. So I begged my parents to adopt her and now she already lives 1 year with us as my foster sister 😁❤️
So beautiful! Is she doing good?
@@sofiad8128 she's doing wonderful! she is now in her last year of uni and is really happy with her boyfriend ;) ofcourse sometimes things are really hard but she is really strong and stays super positive, i don't know how she does it :)
" i guess i don't have a reason to be mad anymore, i was just sad"-Nelson❤
“Priceless” children want to feel like they belong and feel the genuine love.
That was powerful
@@AnaisAzuli very powerful
f u for making me cry again
Nompilo Mazibuko ❤️
I am a former adoption caseworker, and I encourage people to consider adopting older kids/teenagers. One practical reason is that you know who you're getting. With a baby, you have no idea. Your love can't fix them or prevent ill effects of their prenatal life. And these older kids deserve a family as much as everyone else.
I would love to adopt a teen. Wouldn't have to go through the whole toddler and child phase that is way more tedious and expensive.
I want to but I live alone and everyone tells me it's a bad idea to adopt a teen, especially a male, for safety concerns.
@@terrirnbsn3596 You should speak to an adoption specialist rather than listening to people who are unqualified to advise you on the subject.
Amen. One thing I’m looking forward too in my 30’s is adopting is much rather adopt than birth my own. I’d love to adopt siblings if I could and the older kids in general.
@@terrirnbsn3596 you do have to be careful.. everyone is different.
A friend of mine I adopted a little girl who's Mom is in prison for constantly setting fires and it turned out the little girl is a pyromaniac and they can't even keep a lighter or match anywhere near the house, otherwise she tries to set fires.. another person I know adopted a young boy who steals from her and then runs away from home. They are both in long-term therapy but still have many challenges to face.
I adopted my son after 2 years of fostering. He's 8 now. He's the sweetest kiddo.
Wishing you both all the happiness✌🏼✌🏼
God bless u
May your joy and love grow always..I am blessed to read your post..we all are.
@@soleilm3866 Thank you all. 🙏
thanks for doing them a huge service as well as your community. Im excited to adopt a kid someday if life plays out how i want
There's a phrase from a mom who adopted an older kid that always gets me:
"I needed my mom in my 10s, in my 20s, my 30s, and even now in my 40s. Even tho she is already in her 20s, she needs me as a mom now, too."
Everyone needs a family, doesn't matter what age.
Lauren, now you’ve planted the seed in MY brain about adopting older children. I’m totally serious too. Thank you for the video!
shylashes 🖤🖤🖤🖤thank you for considering! I was in the system five years before someone adopted me when I was 9
thank you for the love. hope you can adopt soon.
hahahaha planted seed
shylashes Lauren is the adopted girls name, Joselyn is the mom.
Shannon Knox i think she still was directing it towards her
Love this, I was adopted at 15, 24 now. She changed my life.
I never really cared about giving birth or changing diapers. My husband and I do not like small kids but we really want a family. I think adopting an older child is our calling.
@@asdfghjkl-oo7lv you should! It will be hard but if just keeping trying you will feel so proud and accomplished and really truly make a difference in the childs/ teens life. I have no doubt I would have turned into a homeless drugged out prostitute just just my older sister, but she was six years older than me and had already run away when my twin and I had had been taken into foster care for the second time. my adopted mother is everything to me, she adopted me at 25, as single mother, with a 2 and 3 year old at time, being with her made me realize I had never truly known a good, healthy and wholesome love, ever. she taught me how love and feel loved and taught me everything on how to live and become a responsible adult. I'm now 24 married to my teenage sweet heart going on six years (been together for eight) and we now have three beautiful children, aged 5 months, 2 and 3 years old, I have nice home and a beautiful life because she made the tough decision to just love me when no one else did. She helped me break the cycle with my own children, and they have never felt anything but love, care and support from me, having been taught by my mother.
Sorry for spelling mistakes, mimosas at a wonderful family bbq. Lol
@@jaheje7079 thank you 😻
Of course, my heart swells with love for you for even considering adopting a teen, even though I've never met you. You could truly make a difference and that makes feel so hopeful that another child might be given the same chance I was given, so thank you!
I just found out that i was adopted last night, this made me smile!
That's amazing! Congratulations! God bless you and your family ❤
You are lucky. You were much wanted.
Keili Johnson congratulations xxx
It’s been a year since this commented was posted but I hope you’re still happy with your new family!
how are you??
Dr. Alhgren was my anatomy professor 2 years ago at the University of Florida. She is such a kind and compassionate person I am so glad that these kids could find a loving home!
“They’re just our children to us, we just so happened to get them later in life” made me wanna shed a tear. Super sweet story. 🥰
Vamos hacer eso
Ok!! 😭
Theyre
lucy lu imma correct it now! 😊
Dad: "we just happened to get them later in life"
Me: 😭
I’m only 14 and I’ve decided that when I’m way older I’m having biological and adopted kids
We also need more foster parents
Yeah I'm 13 but I want all adopted kids. There are so many kids that need help!
Same, I'm a little older but I've wanted to adopt a lot of kids and have a few biological for a few years now. I could make a big positive difference in someone's life.
Same I want to adopt from Africa
Same but I don't want bio kids im going to foster and then adopt
"You're not going to like everything they do, but that's life. You're going to get that whether they're biological or not." More people need to hear this, once you adopt them they're yours and it's beautiful. ❤ I'd feel so lucky if I adopted kids.
And may i say.. Nelson and Lauren are BEAUTIFUL... god they're so pretty..
Yeah the girl is so pretty
@@AKIRA-we4hd u can call Boys pretty too
emily she never said you couldn’t
Sri Widiani Lauren goes to my school, she is in my gym class but she is a grade lower then me, she is very kind and athletic :)
so nice :)
I have a similar situation,my mother was VERY abusive...she did drugs, a prostitute.we barely got food if we did it was a treat but, I soon got adopted by my amazing family
This really touched me.
Hearing you refer to something as simple as food as a “treat” makes me realize the things we take for granted.
glad you got out of that situation 😊 food should not be a treat, it’s a basic necessity
thank... you... for telling....us....your....story.....
@@cirese2570 :) of course
@@dh1432 My life was hellish growing up but as a child it was always my wish that I would be adopted by someone else. But I do find it strange that in America parental rights can be taken away and the kids immediately put up for adoption so easily. Though I guess it makes sense in a way since I have heard really bad things about the American fostering system. In New Zealand and Australia much more emphasis is put on the fostering system and cancelling someone's parental rights pretty much only happens when they are a physical danger to the child.
The dad “they give me way more than what I can give them”. Right in the feels 😭
I was adopted 4 days before i turned 18. It was the best thing that has ever happened to me. I am a better person because of the love i was given as an older foster kid.
Hello,
I'm a 13 year old girl who's getting hit and abused by her parents. I am mentally going through a lot.I just want to get adopted and end all of this.Please let me know if i can get any kind of help.
i wish more people would adopt older children like 6-17 it would give these kids a fighting chance in life instead of them having to grow up without a family
oki cools I want to adopt ! It seems to take years ? Unless I’m wrong , I would adopt an older child for sure
@@himynameiswhat3966 It varies depending on the situation. It can be as little as a few months.
When I’m old enough I plan on adopting an older child. I’m 16-18 rn. And when I’m financially stable. After college maybe
I would like to adopt older kids or teens.
Ive been looking for this comment because i know i wasnt the only one who heard iy
That last part, “ we just happen to get them later in life ♥️ “ my heart ♥️😭
Moni Pl 😭❤️
People who want to adopt and give their life’s to children in need have such a huge heart all of them. I’m adopted and my mom has the biggest heart ever. Adults who adopt older kids deserve the world. It’s difficult to create bonds with teens, especially familiar bonds and create a safe space where they feel as if you are their mom or dad. Most adults who are looking to adopt seem to disregard older children saying they are “difficult” or they feel as if they aren’t their real children. Family to me isn’t always blood, its the people who love you and support you and you don’t always grow up with them. I’m so touched by this story it’s always beautiful to see such giving people give love to those who most need it 💓
Adopting a child at all is amazing, I will never take away from anyone just because they know what they can or can’t handle.
Adopting a older child is far from easy, & yes some are difficult. Unless you’ve gone through how hard it is to be a foster parent, you don’t really get to talk on it.
My husband and I just finished our home study so we can adopt from foster care. We're very excited for this new chapter in our lives. I did and do kinda want to adopt a sibling group 12 and under but I'm starting to open up to the idea of a teenager.
It's been on my mind that I didn't want this big person that had a lot of anger or resentment (I know young kids can feel this way too)taking it out on me and my husband. We want a family bond and I don't want someone who may leave us in a few years as soon as they become of age. I know that may sound selfish but I want to adopt a person who can always come home to us even after they've moved out and still think of as mom and dad and not just those people I lived with when I was in high school. I know every person and situation is different but these are the thoughts that I have. I would love to provide a loving home for a teenager who we could do stuff with, take on vacation, get involved in whatever they're interested in, teach new things to them. I'm trying to keep an open mind.
Hello,
I'm a 13 year old girl who's getting hit and abused by her parents. I am mentally going through a lot.I just want to get adopted and end all of this.Please let me know if i can get any kind of help.
@@dhbuddy4064 hey! Contact with specific public body or child support servicies of your country and ask for help. I hope everything goes well! If you do something let me know how it goes❣ If you want any kind of help contact with me, don't hesitate💞💞
@@dhbuddy4064 I'm so sorry!! Is there any adult in your life that you trust that you can get help from? Like a teacher or school counselor for example or a mom or dad of one of your friends?
"I guess i didnt have a reason to be angry anymore... i guess i was just sad" that made me tear up because i can relate
Every child deserves a forever family❣️
how many have YOU adopted????
Yeah, that's what I thought. 🙄
Stuey Griffith not everyone is called to adopt. Everyone has a different path in life.
@@hayleymarse2853 thanks, Yoda.... 🙄
Stuey Griffith no problem 😂😂
Lana Joy you absolutely can. I was just saying that not everyone is able to adopt but they can always support those who do choose to do so and the children still in the adoption system
this made me cry :(
sending love to that beautiful family
malia x same🥺
Please Adopt me. I'm 25 now, but i've never known love like this. You trying to understand to help them, and willing to adjust for them Youre amazing parents.
Hi Luna Moon, may God bless you with a family in whatever form that looks like ❤ God loves you and will always protect you!
Luna Moon must you join the group of padawans
Where do you live? I will be your mama. Are you coming home to Alabama for the holidays this year? ♡
@@trishasaha3578 Im in Africa i can adopt you
@@trishasaha3578I may not be like your parents, but i will try, will love you and be your besr friend
“They’re our children to us, and we just happened to get them later in life.”
That was beautiful ❤️
Those kids have such unique features the girl in particular is absolutely gorgeous!
Both are gorgeous
Her sweet little voice, reflects her sweet little soul 😢😢😢 And Nelson smiles, and then his face just lights up like a flower breaking open from its blossom 🌺
I'm in tears and God bless that wonderful mom and dad. The world certainly needs more people like the Ahlgren's. PS: The boy looks a bit like Colin Kaepernick.
And the daughter reminds me of Ariana Grande for some reason
Tee Bee omg yes!!! Ari and Colin!
I think he looks ex’s toy like Cade Foehner
what the heck lol dr. ahlgren was my anatomy professor, i literally found this by chance!
She seems like a gem
God works in mysterious ways for His Glory! 💕 Be blessed! 💕
Weren’t you lucky ❤️
i’m a therapist for foster kids/adopted kids. Specifically teens- omg this made me cry
I was in foster care at the age of 2 or 3 & got adopted with 3 of my biological siblings. (One was already an adult) I was 14 when I was adopted. Super thankful for my (adoptive) Mom believing in us & loving us.
❤️💜💕
@Michelle Rivera shes 7 years older than me. She ran away from foster care when we were first taken away. She was around 12. I guess she just survived. Shes been back in our lives since I turned 18. I'm now 24.
❤️
Hello,
I'm a 13 year old girl who's getting hit and abused by her parents. I am mentally going through a lot.I just want to get adopted and end all of this.Please let me know if i can get any kind of help.
As someone who would like to adopt someone older as well (someday in the future) I appreciate this positive story. Too many people are focused on the negative POSSIBLE outcomes of adopting an older child. They are just hurting and shouldn’t be overlooked.
Brielle Imana loving caring homes can change a child older or not , it’s sad they don’t get adopted more often , you’re right ! And I would love to adopt older as well
@Jessie Jay That's why I plan on possibly adopting older children after my biological kids are teens. That way the adopted kids have added support of adoptive older siblings who they can confide in if they're not sure how mom or dad would react to something yet because we're all still getting to know each other.
Being a child that was adopted, this hit me hard.
Edit: as I’m watching this my adoptive dad called me
Please adopt me😭😭😭😭
Every child deserves a home with parents who love them! This story is so touching!!
Bless this beautiful family unit , awesome parents !
I wish I could "love" this video. The like button isn't enough. Thanks for sharing this story. I hope it can encourage others to either adopt or foster or be a support system for those who do.
Bailey Wenger Herrera Me too
The sense of missing their mom, will sadly never go away, but over time, healing can and will happen. I pray they will have an amazing life as a family.
Imagine being adopted by people that you’ve never even met, have never met you, but yet they already love you. That’s so beautiful ❤️
I have 2 biological children and adopted a pre teen, now 15. This is a process that requires a lot of patience and I think you have to go into it knowing there will be some significant challenges but you get through them. Wonderful story.
Please pass me a tissue!
This story is absolutely beautiful! God bless this couple for having such open, loving, & caring hearts!
I am single but I have so much to offer a child who needs a stable and reliable home. I always wanted to be able to be there for someone and teach and grow. I have been looking at adoption websites that focus on older children and I really think I’m ready. I am glad I saw this video.
This gives me so much hope. As a 22 year old, I’ve always been afraid that I’d be considered too old to be adopted. I just want to be part of a family who will love and accept me for who I am. I’d do anything to have this.
😭, kids like you are the reason the arkhouses are so important. But they need a step beyond and put people in place to teach you kids to check the oil, change a tire, change a house plug, cook a meal, sort laundry cause with that comes bonds and family is what you make of it. We have nine and four others that call us Mom n Dad cause we've let em get up on their feet two of them their own parents wouldn't help them and the other two grew up in the system our kids told them my parents will be yours and they brought them home. The one just moved out last July, our other adopted brought him to us, he's going to school and working back home in Florida after staying with us for nearly two years. My husband taught him how to work on cars so that's what he's going to school for, 😊. I don't think we've ever had an empty room since we've been married, bless the LORD for such lessons.
No one is ever to old to deserve to be part of a family ♥️
There is adult adoption!
You can go to Probate Court and apply for a petition for adult adoption.
I am adopted and this experience is just beautiful 🥺
❤️💕💜
I came on UA-cam to laugh, but I stumbled on this video, now Im bawling my eyes out because this is so heartwarming. Thanks YT Algorithm
When they were cheering her on during the volleyball game and she turned to them and smiled... that just melted my heart
This is such a moving story.
I want to be a foster parent when I am a little older and more financially stable.
My mans flexing with the LV belt
4:24 lmao true 😂
😎😎😎
Fr tho he hadda show the belt 😂😂
As soon as I saw that I was just 😂
I’ve always wanted to adopt teens, even though I’m still a teen myself rn, but whether I choose to have biological kids or not in the future at some point that’s something I’d like to do. I’m so happy to see people like this adopting, to see teens and older children being placed in great care and happy 😊
As a child I bet it’s amazing finally knowing that you have someone who supports and cares about you.
My 11 year old daughter and I literally just watched “Instant Family” 2 days ago because she heard about it and just had to see it. Then, I came across this clip. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
My heart goes out to all these kids. I also give these parents kudos for their strength, patience, and kindness to give these kids a better life. I truly believe that we all would be respected and loved IF we give respect and love first. ❤️#humankindness
CMB this clip made me think of that movie too!
I always knew I wanted to adopt older kids. I always knew and videos like this just confirm; when I can I will start the process. There are so many unwanted children/adolescence in this world. Why not give them hope and support?
ditto
Hello,
I'm a 13 year old girl who's getting hit and abused by her parents. I am mentally going through a lot.I just want to get adopted and end all of this.Please let me know if i can get any kind of help.
I’m not adopted but I’m under a SGO with the most amazing foster mum and family I could ever have wished for. Entering the system at 12 I didn’t have much hope and the first 2 year I just moved around a total of 6 family’s and 2 homes and then just after I turned 14 I moved in with the most wonderful family and I’ve been here ever since and I’m 17 next month and I’ve never felt so happy. I love my family so much! ❤️❤️
I’m just amaze at how many siblings get adopted together. I’ve heard of rare stories where siblings are separated. This is just beautiful and amazing
Thanks for working on these human bond pieces of journalism, this gives us hopes for some of us older couples to adopt.
Tears and smiles and tears and smiles... especially at 4:50.... What BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN! Lauren’s little voice reflects her precious little soul... Nelson is such a beautiful young man! Just look at his smile 💙 It can be sad when children come to the planet and doesn’t get the LOVE they deserve from the actual humans who carried them here on this journey. However, their journey can be just as WONDERFUL when they’re allowed to be part of other people’s lives- people who DESERVE THEM! 💙💖 I am so grateful for these family who has so much love and so much understanding... NELSON AND LAUREN WERE MEANT TO BE HERE... it couldn’t go any other way! There are no mistakes here. 💜💖🌺💖☀️
as someone who was adopted as a teen and then kicked out of the home at 18, I am so glad to see videos like this where it doesn't happen to everyone.
“Yasss Period”😂😂😂. I love how happy they are
The quote, "At first it felt wired, now it feels good.", broke me down into tears!
Thank you for sharing this .
TheChristopherBlake1 he said “weird” not “wired”
Good for them. Maybe this will inspire more people to follow.
Brought tears to my eyes. Such beautiful children and parents. Every kid needs someone they can depend on. Good job guys, for following your hearts.
What a sweet couple... It’s so wonderful how they’re focused on the children and not on themselves, the ego that comes with a lot of parenting can be destructive. But these two seem really selfless.
Those parents are special. It seems the children are lucky to have them.
It's always been one thing i wanted to do.... And they water it.... 💓 God Bless them
homegirl stepped over the line with that serve at the end though
unlocked this comment made me laugh haha 😂
I really didn't the line was the purple line 😂😢
@@laurenjoliee
Oh my God, you're so pretty🌟
Okay, so what? They were not in the Olympics. It was a junior high school volleyball match.
@@mikewrasman5103 chill mike it's a joke
Are we just going to not talk about how the adoptive dad was like Period I'm deadddd sksksksksk😂😂
@ryeh ryeh 3:51 😂
it's called making a statement.
period.
end of story.
period.
@@Mandeee exactly lmao. I remember when people said it before it became more of "slang" like PERIODTTT. 🤦♀️
and that’s on periodt sis
What a beautiful family.
God bless you.
Let's face it, we are all crying at this point. Such a strong family. Such great parents and such sweet kids!
This really made me tear up because I was adopted at 5years old from my drug addicted parents , so I know exactly how they feel being taken from your parents. And no matter what it'll always affect you throughout life whether you're in a good home or not.
3:50 Ik this is supposed to be serious but did homeboy really just say periodt 🤣
Thank you for your kindness and loving heart!
GOD BLESS THIS FAMILY!.. TRULY AMAZING.
My man said *PERIODT*
"They're just our children to us and we just happen to get them later in life" - OMG this is the essence of it all
Thank you Jesus. BLESS this family .
What a wonderful loving couple. Am in tears
Four years later that girl turns out to be one of my best friends and she is so kind and loving. I love her and Lore if you see this I JUST WANT TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I LOVE YOU AND THAT IM SO PROUD OF YOU ❤🩹💋
We tend to forget two strangers who don't share the same blood has to create a family, blood plays no roll in a family bond.
You're right,, cause my blood family is full of malignant narcissists and I'm still healing after 7 years and no contact.
@@honeyspoonbeewrangler4550 wow I hope it gets better.
why would anyone in their right mind give this a thumbs down? This was beautiful.
Sharon Cato Their race is completely irrelevant to the video.
Truly selfless and a lesson in unconditional loving! ❤️
I was adopted, I love seeing other ppl with the same story as me,and wonderful ppl willing to take kids that are in need of a home
I was lucky and adopted as a baby. My heart goes out to all of the kids in foster care. So glad these two are in a safe and loving home 💗
It just moved me to tears. Thank you for being so nice you guys. God bless you
You people are good people. Thanks for being who you are. Wish you all the best.
Adrien Husson - Great message Adrien
I choose to be childless but am planning to adopt or foster. I don’t need a baby to look like me to love them with no strings. I am struggling to create stability for myself but once I do I want to provide it for others.
They're amazing people 💜♥️
The kids are so soft spoken and cute 😭 and seem grateful for being adopted by this wonderful couple 😭
I’m so happy they are all together now, a family.
I'm over here balling my eyes out...what a beautiful story..it warmed my heart & soul 💙💙💙💜💜💜💚💚💚
As soon as the parents were on screen I got so emotional 😩❤️ & then when they stood in a line & the siblings looked at each other smiling... 😭😭😭😍
Their smiles absolutely tear my heart apart. My dream has always been to be a single mom of foster teen girls, and this only makes me more excited
Very beautiful. Just like whoever is reading this.
-Josh Otusanya
When I grow up I'm going to adopt.
Those 2 kids are so sweet and beautiful...
The Ahlgrens are now 2 of my
favorite people now. I wish you family nothing but love,health and happiness
Im glad they kept them together
My dream in 8-10 years is to be able to adopt children and have a stable and happy home for them to feel like they can rely and depend on me and my husband 💕 God willing I will one day make it come true and have many beautiful adopted kids of all ages
As a former foster youth, this makes me so happy to see❤️
I hope your life is good and fruitful..much love to you.
Wow, they have absolutely changed these kids' lives and futures. What an amazing family.
I’ve always wanted to adopt older kids. They are just as important as babies. One day 💜