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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to think BIL & SIL aren’t ready to adopt??

240 replies

RegularBandicoot · 26/03/2025 12:06

Ok so name change for this cos it’s obvs sensitive. My BIL and SIL (DH’s bro & his wife) are about to adopt a LO and honestly I don’t think they have a clue what they’re in for. They’ve been talking about it for ages but it’s like they think it’s just the same as having a baby naturally and they’ll just slot the child into their life like nothing’s different. They’re lovely ppl but they can be quite selfish tbh, v focused on their careers and hobbies etc and I don’t think they realise how much their life is going to change.

They keep saying things like “we’re so excited to finally be parents” and “we can’t wait to bring them home” which is obvs nice but they never mention the actual child and what THEY might be feeling?? Like hello, this poor LO is being taken from everything they’ve ever known, it’s not just about you getting a family fgs. They’ve only done the bare minimum of reading about trauma etc and don’t seem to think it’ll be a big issue cos “kids are resilient” (their words not mine).

Also they’re adopting a toddler which surely comes with extra challenges?? They’ve never even looked after a baby overnight let alone a 2yo who might have loads of attachment issues. SIL keeps going on about how she can’t wait to take them on holiday next year and BIL is excited to get them into sports, but like, maybe focus on actually helping the child settle first?? Idk maybe I’m overthinking but it just seems naive.

AIBU to worry they’re not prepared or should I just keep my mouth shut?? I don’t wanna be unsupportive but I feel like they’re seeing it as a fun new life stage rather than actually becoming parents to a child who’s been through a lot. DH says to leave them to it but I can’t stop thinking about it. Anyone got experience with this??

(Posting and running cos gotta do school run but will be back later to reply!)

OP posts:
LadyMacbethssweetArabianhand · 26/03/2025 12:13

I think you are being a bit unreasonable. Even if you are able to have children, you haven't a clue about the actuality until faced with a howling baby. I also was excited to plan my child's first Christmas, holiday etc. My husband was keen for him to be involved in sports. I don't think there's anything wrong with that.

TwoBlueFish · 26/03/2025 12:12

they’re like any expectant couple, happy and excited and hoping for the best. I’m sure they’ve done all the classes and if issues appear then they will deal with them. Why should they tell you about any negative feelings they might be having.

annoyedandbored · 26/03/2025 12:12

I think it's more likely that they're only sharing the positives and keeping a positive mindset.... Social workers and adoption panels are extremely good at what they do and if they didn't think they were ready then they'd be asked to do additional courses/reading etc.

My advice is keep out of it

EdinburghTimezone · 26/03/2025 12:12

'Kids are resilient' exasperates me. No they aren't. They are delicate and unformed and easily damaged. They may find ways to adapt to some appalling situations both external and internal to their families, but not without cost to their own wellbeing.

letsgotothebeach · 26/03/2025 12:12

I can assure you, that as an adoptive parent myself, they would have spent months with social workers going through every aspect of their life with a fine tooth comb. I’m surprised you don’t know this. They will not be unprepared in the slightest and of course they are excited about finally bringing their child home. Instead of worrying on their behalf, just be happy for them and supportive.

BarneyRonson · 26/03/2025 12:12

I think you’re being a bit odd too. You sounds as though you resent their inexperienced enthusiasm and would like them to be feeling sober and anxious.

pikkumyy77 · 26/03/2025 12:11

I don’t think you are wrong to be concerned. You know them well so I think your sense that they are treating this more like a consumer issue or a new pet than really grasping how difficult this may be for the child is probably correct. All you can do is try to be there for them as they learn.

Upbiffa · 26/03/2025 12:11

Fucking hell. I don't think any parent really knows what they're in for, but being so mean and judgemental about them before the little one even arrives seems cruel.

They will have been through a hell of a time with the adoption process, training, assessments, all sorts.

It's awful for you to say they've been selfish by focusing on their careers.

I hope you don't voice your nastiness! Just be supportive and kind.

SouthLondonMum22 · 26/03/2025 12:10

Why would they mention any of this to you? They have likely discussed at length with each other and probably as a requirement during the adoption process.

Guineapiglet2 · 26/03/2025 12:10

The adoption process is brutal, they must know so much more than just the exciting stuff they're talking about with you.

EdinburghTimezone · 26/03/2025 12:09

I wonder which country you are in. The adoption vetting process is pretty stringent in the UK and it would be very surprising for this couple to have got so far without considering the implications of taking a traumatised toddler into their home.

NotHavingAFunTime · 26/03/2025 12:09

You need to keep your feelings to yourself, but maybe be there for support/advice IF they ask.

FortyElephants · 26/03/2025 12:08

How on earth have they been assessed, approved and matched if they are so clueless?

Ohthatsabitshit · 26/03/2025 12:08

I think you are being a bit odd @RegularBandicoot Why wouldn’t they be excited about all those things?

KimberleyClark · 26/03/2025 12:07

Presumably they’ve been through the adoption approval/vetting process?