We have two boys, ages 9 and 7. My boys are marvellous. They are happy, doing well in school, have many friends, and are very independent. They get on very well with each other.
A few weeks ago my DH suggested adopting a 4-5 year old girl. (I think the boys will be 11 and 8.5 before we have a child placed with us). The more I looked into this, the more it seemed to be the right thing to do for our family. We have the emotional space to welcome in another person. We have the physical space. DH and I still have a lot of parenting love and energy to give someone. I work in special needs, and I have skills that will help us deal with issues of attachment and challenging behaviour. We would like to adopt a typically developing girl without a serious history of challenging behaviour. I have made a few calls to local adoption agencies.
I have a lot of energy and love to give. I will be able to understand that the challenges presented by an adopted child will not be personal. I can be patient while that bond grows. But what about my boys?
I think my boys will be okay, but I've read horror stories on adoptionuk.org about how taking on an AC devastated the family. I worry that I am making this decision for my boys because it is something I want. (They will be totally up for this, but they aren't able to make a fully informed choice at their age).
Can anyone share their experiences?
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What are your stories about adopting with birth children?
24 replies
parasaurolophus · 24/05/2013 13:57
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