[joskids]

Jody, I so agree. This is not easy stuff to figure out (not that anything our kids do is easy to figure out, birth kids OR adopted kids). But the child I discussed definitely had attachment issues due to being left with his 5 year old sister in a bedroom while foster mom slept. GEESH, I absolutely HATE these bad-foster parent stories because it makes the rest of us look horrible also. With him I had to figure out what the biggest issue was and, at times, I HAD to let him cry it out or he would have manipulated me to my grave. I'm also glad he's doing so well now as it's tough never being certain. He doesn't even try to manipulate his new mommy and daddy but they are experienced adoptive parents and I'm so happy he's with the best family possible. We are lucky to be able to see these kids still and let them know how much we love and miss them. But I've got to admit, the SCREAMING for his own way -- I DO NOT MISS. I deeply feel for anyone dealing with attachment and eating issues. It's so sad for the child to spend the rest of his or her life trying to get over them. We all need to stick together and help each other. I love that Drihan co-sleeps with you, Tracey, but I am just not into co-sleeping. We have 4 kids. There wouldn't be ANY time (or room) left for the two of us. Our kids are all in bed by 8:00 and the rest of the evening (until mommy falls asleep on the couch as soon as she sits for a moment) is ours as a couple. I do think for some families, it works very well.

Christie, you are too kind. I'm never certain that how I handle things is the best way possible, but I do the best I can with what I've got and just hope that I make a difference, even just a little one, in the lives of these children.