Adopting Again?

[emilygracemom]

Howdo you know when you are ready or if you are ready to adopt again? At what point can a family be ready to add another child to their home? I have been considering this for a while now. We would like to adopt again. Our daughter has been home for 3 years and we would like her to have a sibling at some point. I do think it will be difficult for our daughter to adjust to a new sibling at first. She has a hard time when I pick up another child or baby at church or when I help another child. I have really worked with her on her core fear that mommy will love another child and leave her behind. I just need some insight on adopting again.

[Rebecca]

Beth,

I think that you've pointed out something in what you said that can really be your gauge. Watch her when you are giving attention to other children. When she is feeling secure enough, you'll know. It doesn't mean that it has to be perfect when you are handling another child, but trust your instinct on this one. There isn't a magic number of years or months that your child will be ready for a sibling. Focus on her right now and she will be ready sooner than if your energy is scattered thinking about adding to your family. She needs your undivided attention right now. Meeting that need will make it much easier to add another child to your family, especially one who will come with his or her own set of traumas that will need much of your undivided attention.

Does that make sense? How wonderful that you are thinking this through now and working to figure out what would be the best for your daughter. She's so lucky to have you for a mom!!

[mom2008]

They also said that it's helpful if you talk to your daughter and tell her about the adoption plan. It would somehow help you decide based on her reactions.

[jen0608]

Ask you daughter first if she's comfortable with the idea of adoption. You should talk to her and tell her the good side of adopting.