Matching panel in a few days

[slkk]

Feeling nervous. Any advice?

I'm sure we can all identify with that! MP was very nerve wracking for me, even though I ddin't need to be nervous!

I can only advise that MP is not something to be worried about. The SW's wouldn't take you to MP if they weren't sure you were the right match, and the panel itself is not looking for a reason to refuse it. I heard that 96% of MP's are yes's, but I suspect that might be slightly low, it's probably more like 97-98% IMHO. And of those panel's which aren't straight out 'yes', they're nearly all deferrals to a later date at which match is approved, not 'no'.

Try not to worry. Get good sleep the night before. And best of luck

Thanks :)

No advice is needed - it's right and proper to feel nervous, and all will be fine

I will do some hand-holding, though. Wishing you all the very best of luck.

Completely understandable to feel tense! As others have said, your SWs must have faith in you and in the match, in order to take you to panel. Take a deep breath, and be yourself

Totally normal to be nervous. My nerves hit about a minute before we were due to go in.

Sorry pressed post too soon - Good luck, it will be fine :)

slkk good luck.

Did you want practical suggestions?

My only suggestions would be:

Wear something comfortable but not reasonably smart if you wish, just so you feel the part and look your best. I have worn unsuitable clothes to things before - like skirts that ride up, shoes that pinch and tops that make me look 9 months pregnant! All of which make me feel uncomfortable! So go for comfort.

Check where you need to go and where you will park if driving, at least the night before if not a few days ahead.

Be on time or early so you don't feel stressed but if you are late, don't worry!

The panel are there to make a decision, so you don't want to be over cocky but by the same token you want to be confident, you can do this, you have been prepared and social worker/s have put you forward so you are the right person for the job!

Good luck.

My advice is to come back and post so we can congratulate you on here!

So few people in real life understand the adoption process that its fab having a group of adopters who get all excited for you remembering their own meeting with their child.

Good luck, just be yourself!

Thanks for all your advice, both emotional and practical! I know in my head that I shouldn't really worry, but it doesn't stop the nerves!

I agree, Kewcumber, it's great to know that there are others out there going through the same. I've read a lot of posts, though only posted a few times, and taken a lot of advice already. I'll let you know how it goes! :)

Breathe slowly and stay calm! Good luck and look forward to hearing how you got on

Matched!
Thanks for all the advice - managed to follow most of it except the good night sleep bit, but then last night slept deeply for the first time in ages (maybe thanks to celebration bubbly...). I guess I'd best make the most of it!
Thanks again! Now the fun really starts...

Oh congratulations!!!! Really well done, that's such happy news

What flavour and age are your children going to be?!

3 and a half, boy flavour. To join 2dsc. Happy days :)

Yay, congratulations! 3 and a half year old boys are great! :D

Lovely! What fun you're all going to have!

Congratulations - welcome to the beginning!

This will be you soon! Congratulations

Thanks Merry! I won't show that to DH...

Woo hoo! I just learnt how to do bold. Just shows what reading instructions can do for you!

fab news.... well done... rest now in prep for introductions!!

Hope you can make some good brum brum, choo choo noises!!!

will get practising excited!

Congratulations!

Congratulations

Fantastic! Boys that age ARE so cute.