[Happy_Cat]

My 7 yo fd told my hubby and I the other night that she was afraid that her relative was going to hire someone to kidnap her. It broke my heart for her! Her relative does want custody, never mentioned wanting to adopt, and we are trying to adopt the kids. We 100% believe that we are the best place for her and that should she be moved to live with the relative she would live with her bio mother as soon as the relative could arrange it. That is NOT a safe place for her to be! That being said I think that the relative honestly believes that is what is best for the kids and is not someone who would intentionally hurt the kids. I hate to think that my little princess is afraid of her family. We did our best to reassure her that the relative loves her to which Princess said "but doesn't she know that I want to be adopted by you and she is trying to stop that?" We have talked to her counselor and she said that has come up in their talks too, but I never got a good idea of how to comfort her? I know it is terrible to admit, but part of me is glad she expressed her fear because I think it helps are legal case, but a much larger part of me realizes that Princess is hurting and I feel like it is my job to help her feel better. I realize I cannot protect her from all the hurts that a biological mother can, but are there any ideas of ways to help her deal with this particular hurt? She has been through so much in her life I hate to think that she is living with this fear as well.

[momraine]

I would suggest using practical means to reassure her. Like if the relative does not know where you live, tell her that, show her locks on the doors and windows. Maybe get alarms if that will make her feel safe.