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Those are really good questions. I think everyone feels a little awkward talking to as kid the first time because both of you know this is a trial period to see if this is a good match. I was tryuing to remember my early conversations with my first son. I remember he was really wild and moved around so much that he did most of the talking. He also use to climb way to high in the tree. He always came down though, and I'd ground him from the tree for the rest of the day.
I was poisened by a child but this child was violent from the very first visit and the shelter his brothers were at(he'd been kicked out) told me their was "something really wrong with him" even though his social worker just thought he needed structure. I was naive at the time and thought I could fix him. I think in my gut I knew he was dangerous, but I didn't want to believe an 8 year old could be that far gone. His twin had almost no problems.
Most people don't like talking about sex wtih kids but its a necessary part of parenting. Don't act shocked and be direct(the bathroom and your own bedroom by yourself is the only place to do this or whatever.)
Pets are tricky. None of my kids ever hurt our dogs. My severe son thought dogs were smarter then people, so he left them alone. I don't think the majority of kids will mess with animals and cats are smart and will stay away from trouble.
All kids run the risk of injury. Put a net around the trampoline and make sure the safety rules are clear. Same with all the other, hoses, gocarts. Be clear about safety and gear and if they violate a safety rule, be strict with the conseqence(no riding for a time, re-training on rules before you can ride again etc.) no exceptions. As with any child, this allows the fun and minimizes the risk of injury.(there are some studies that show horseback riding can be theraputic to tramatized children)
good luck!! Sounds like a kid would love living with you!
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