We are in the process of being assessed to possibly adopt DD's half sibling who is currently in FC. DD came to us at 8 months, is 2 and has a slight development delay that means she is pre-verbal amongst other things. She has settled well and is very bonded to both me and DH. She doesn't attend nursery and would be at home all the time with me and the new LO. Life is good, really good, right now.
Whilst we have only just started the assessment things will move fast if we are approved and if the court grants the placement order. The LO is likely to be about 9 months if they do come to us.
We have considered this decision carefully and feel in the long term it is the right thing to do for all of us, despite being slightly petrified for the short term esp for DD but also for the new baby who won't get our exclusive attention like DD did.
I think I'm just looking for general advice from adopters who have been here e.g.
- what can we do to best prepare our DD (whilst accepting that we actually never really can)?
- What did you do or with hindsight wish you'd been able to do to focus on attachment with the new LO when your attention is necessarily split?
- How can we best help DD through the early days (she is very mummy-centric at the moment)
- What help did you get or do you wish you'd got from your support network etc etc.
Sorry this is so vague, just any advice or tips are much appreciated. Thank you!