In my first BM support group we all started talking about what we attracted us to the families we chose. Most of it had to do with the family profiles and I figured since many of you may still be in the process of making yours I'd share the information I learned...
1. The Photo on the front of your profile is very very important. It may seem like an obvious fact, but all the BMs agreed that some families did not put a picture on the front that caught their eye. So if you think there is one photo were you and DH look absolutely fabulous that is probably the photo that should go on the front haha.
2. Now of course BMs want to see pictures of you and your DH, but the profiles that were most appealing to the girls were the ones that had goofy and fun photos of you and DH. Pictures as you two as a couple are very cute, but can get boring after awhile. Most of the BMs in the group agreed that pictures of the couples being goofy (maybe in halloween costumes or just making funny faces) was what made them more attracted to the couple.
3. if you have a big family...the more photos of them the better. Family (especially close families) is something that BMs are looking for. We all want the kids to be able to have great family experiences so pictures of your family being together is a big plus.
4. Try to put as many of your hobbies as possible (with out over doing it) in your profile. If you travel, work out, like chocolate etc. put it in there. BMs want the world for their kids so even if its just getting to enjoy watching football every Sunday with the family that is still something BMs want to see.
4. Let the BMs know about your adoption experiences. I know it is very personal, but try to share as much as you are comfortable with. One BM in my group was attracted to her family since they had been going through the adoption experience for years with out any success. While another BM picked her family had already done a previous adoption and were excited about going through it a second time. BMs want to get to know you and that is a big part of your life so don't be afraid to share.
...I know these things might seem completely obvious but these were the things that all the BMs agreed on that really caught our eye and made us keep these families in the back of our minds. Hopefully in the meetings I keep going to I'll learn more stuff that may help any of you get matched sooner rather than later!
Re: For all of you making your family profiles
Thank you for sharing!!! Much appreciated. You are so kind to help us.
You are a lifesaver! Thank You! I've been planning in my head all the pictures that should go on our BM profile. I think we definitely need some more goofy pics! I've already picked our cover photo and it's our favorite picture of us and the dogs. I even have a picture of our dogs with the easter bunny so I planned on putting that in. lol
"Just keep swimming, just keep swimming..."
Yeah I would say either a professional photo (if you were already going to get them done) or maybe that one photo of you and DH were you think you both look your best. Most pictures would work really well! But for example if you and DH like to run 5ks or an iron man DON'T put a photo of you two together after you two are done running forever on the front cover. That photo is better put into the profile around hobbies. You want a photo that is inviting and makes BM want to read more about the two of you. So If there is a favorite (updated) photo of you and DH I would say its safe to go with that.