[quiescentfury]

Next week we are meeting a 13 year old boy that we might be interested in adopting. His SW is bringing him to our house. All 5 of our kids will be here. They are ages 13,11,10,3, and 21 months. Both my husband and I will be here too. I am wondering if I should plan something or just hangout. I am really nervous and I just want to make everyone as comfortable as possible. Any ideas???

[ranoutofnames]

Since your 11yr old and 13yr old are girls you are planning to adopt in April (at least that's what I interpret from your signature line) I'm guessing they probably aren't comfortable taking him under their wing and "hanging out" as you might expect 3 boys to do.

Your 10yr old son might quickly bond... if they both have something in common.

Do you have any in-home games you all do together that's physical and creates laughter? Nintendo Wii has some games that are a lot of fun as a group.

I find bonding happens quicker and stronger when the heart starts pumping and laughter is in the air.

I wouldn't plan anything away from the house (unless you have a bunch of bikes you can all ride or something along that line where you leave from the house doing the activity.) That many people trying to all go in the same direction together and get to know each other out in public areas just doesn't seem as successful for a first meeting... sounds like chaos and a prescription to fail.

[quiescentfury]

We do not have a Wii, but can borrow one. That is a great idea. The girls are actually really excited about meeting him. I am afraid that they might overwhelm him with questions, lOl!! Our 13 year old daughter is cognitively disable and sometimes ask the same questions over and over, or questions she already knows the answers too. Our 10 year old should be good with the boy. They both are really into sports. I have no idea how long the meeting will be.

The girls adoption is going to happen in May now. courts are backed up.

[QueenEsther]

Can you do something like make your own pizzas or sundaes for a meal or snack? I know in my family, nothing gets people talking like food. It also lets you work on questions like what's your favorite food?, what's your least favorite food? which even the little ones can answer. Good luck - enjoy it!

[Binny]

That sounds fun. I second the wii, or a non-skill (chance) based game and making a food together.

[timleenettesue]

I second QueenEsther. 13 year old boy and food, sounds like a winner to me. Making food together with your kids always gets them talking and eliminates stress.
God bless and praying all goes well!!!!!

[laceyc]

Definately food. DH is a youth minister so we spend a lot of time with teenagers and food is a must. A video game or board game sounds like a lot of fun..what about old school charades?

[quiescentfury]

Thank you everyone. We ended up decorating easter eggs and making banana splits. AND as of yesturday we are MATCHED!! This weekend we will start visits and because of his age and he already met us he gets to spend the whole weekend with us. He will move in and be placed with us under adoption status as soon as our daughters' adoptions are finalized which is June 1st. We are very excited and so is he!

[ncsingledad]

Great news! Congratulations!!

[Binny]

woot that is wonderful

[EandDmom]

Congrats to you all

[jillned]

That's awesome news!!

[jaenelle]

Congratulations! So glad it is working out!