[Archive]

Originally Posted By Nadine

My husband and I would like to adopt a sibling group of 2 or 3, all under age 9. I come from an adoptive family-5 children by 3 different sets of parents-in which some of the children's names were changed and some were not. Has anyone changed their children's names? How do the children feel about it? Is it harmful? Any experiences or advice would be appreciated.

[Archive]

Originally Posted By Susie

I changed the name of my youngest son, and I am "only" a foster mother (I am in germany, sorry for my terrible english).
My son identifyes himself with the new name and feels really that he´s my "real" son.
I am a white mother of a white son from my first marriage, and of a black (foster)son.
We have special problems, but not with the names or the colores. If anyone wants to mail me: YeRainbow@web.de

[Archive]

Originally Posted By Nadine

How old was your son when he came to you?

[Archive]

Originally Posted By sue

I adopted internationally two girls. Each was 5 years old at the time I adopted. As it happened, both had the same name! They and I chose to keep their names the same. It has provided a few funny stories, but our community is small, and everyone quickly got used to "the two Sonias." I've known other older kids who've been offered name changes and took them. Some even chose their own names. I think (like everything else having to do with adoption) it depends on the child. But my family is living proof that even having two kids with the same name can work out beautifully.

[Archive]

Originally Posted By Joe

We adopted an 8 year old boy two years ago. When it came time for the lawyers to draw up the adoption papers about a year after we took placement, we asked him what he thought. He wanted to keep his first and middle name, and take our last name, and we agreed. He also considered moving his birth name to his middle name, but didn't think that it had a "cool" ring to it. In my opinion, it solidified the permanency of the adoption, and the integration into our family. We have a very long and difficult last name, and he is very proud of it. Good luck.