Child name change

[choccy86]

We are about to have our first child placed with us, which is very exciting; it also comes with a lot of anxieties as expected.

when we went to panel, they advised a name change as the birth name given was very identifiable. we have chosen a name which we both agree on and our SW likes ( bonus).

the problem is that our child already knows their name, we have chosen a name that sounds different but has a similar rhythm and we have kept the first letter of the name the same.

does anybody have any tips or tricks or experiences when introducing a new name?

Hi, firstly congratulations. Do you intend to keep the fist name as a middle name? Also how old is the little one as that might make it easier to advise? I personally don't have any experience of this specific matter but as an adopted person my self would be happy to offer an opinion with a little more insight but I feel the age of the child is pretty significant with regards to how you handle this?

Congrats :)
I read about another munsnetter who needed to/wanted to change her dc's name someone suggested using given name-new name doubled barrelled for a few days then drop the given name. Not sure if it worked but remember thinking it was a good idea
Good luck for the future

Our son was 8 1/2 months when placed and we changed his name for the same reasons as you. The name was similar sounding- same no of syllables, same beginning letter. We called him birth name-new name, new name-birth name and dropped the birth name gradually. We have kept his middle name and moved his birth name so it is his third name.

The child we have been matched with is 28 months. He knows his name well. We will try that technique, thank you. We want to try and keep his birth name as a middle name, if possible.

I did the same as Barbados Girl in terms of similar sounds and syllables, and using both names, then very gradually dropping the birth name (again, it was a court recommended change not a preference by us). Our LO was older than yours, but very delayed in verbal skills, so I think it helped that the name they first learned to say and recognise on paper was their altered name. Congratulations on your match!

Same here. My DD's new name sounds similar, has the same amount of syllables as her original birth name. We like others, used both then dropped the other name. I know a number of adopters that used this same approach with success. Wishing you well.