[kmagnusson]

Hello,

I am looking for some advice on adopting siblings. My DH and I are looking at adopting a sibling group of 4 children, boys ages 2-8. We have no bio children and we want a family. We are both in our early 40's and I teach school. My favorite age is middle school and upper elementary kids. People think I am nuts when I say I prefer that age to older or younger students.

We live on a farm, have 3 unused bedrooms upstairs, and lots of room to run around. So what should we expect when adopting this many kids at once? Has anyone else been in this type of situation? We would like to be some what prepared as to what to expect. I am looking forward to reading some of your stories. Thanks,

Kathy

[Roon63]

having adopted a singlet and a sibling group...the sibling group was a way easier transition.
Ours were not older, they were all pre-school when adopted, age 4.
Children come into your house and don't know or understand your "rules" and behaviors. They come into new foods, smells and people. I think it is easier, when they have another live person that they have known, coming into the home. My not a professional, but mommy opinion. lol
My main helpful hint, especially with older children, prior to placing, read and LISTEN to everything in disclosure about the kids, and know your limitations. Don't be guilty to say, "No, I can't do those kids, because of this certain factor" Your SW, can work with that, but placing a child or children and having to move them out, is a rough one on everybody. Better to say NO, before they are in your home.
Anyway, I would love to hear of your bedrooms filled with waiting children!

[kmagnusson]

Thank you for your advice. When disclosing information about the kids what will the SW tell us? I have read postings on how people have adopted children to come find out they have behaviors and disabilities that they did not know about. Also any books or anything else I can read that would be helpful for me to prepare? I figure after we adopt I won't have time to read.

Kathy

[Roon63]

You will be reading, the hungry catepillar over and over and over, then probably If you give a mouse a cookie, a few hundred times...You will read, but not the books you used to...lol

But nothing like it....