Home Visit Panic 😬

[Runner31]

Well today is the day of our first home visit and I'm so nervous. The house is almost spotless, grass is cut and I've done everything I can to make the house look welcoming. We have 3 spare bedrooms and are hoping for a sibling group so each room is looking it's best.
I've given the dogs a long walk on the beach to tire them out so they don't get too excited with a visitor. We have a German shepherd who loves when people come round but both dogs do bark when someone first arrives. We have them trained so that they don't come in from the garden till they are sitting quietly and then they come in and the guest asks them to sit and gives them a chew. It stops them bothering people for a fuss and helps if people are scared of dogs. I really hope the social worker sees this as a positive.
Any tips or advice to get me through today will be gratefully accepted. X

Just be yourselves! I remember our social worker telling us that they obviously expect people to make an effort with tidying up but also it's nice if a home is homely and not sterile so please don't worry! I assume they know you have dogs. Ours wasn't keen on dogs but I think it is just something more for the assessment to explore.

Make sure you have tea and coffee in and some biscuits to break the ice. Please try to relax!

Thank you. Yes they do know. We have had a meeting with the team manager who loves dogs and stressed the benefits of children and dogs together although I'm a firm believer in the relationship being managed and monitored by adults.
It's funny I was just outside hanging out washing and thought I might leave it out for when she arrives as it looks homely 😂

Absolutely! Honestly ours said that a little bit of clutter etc makes her feel better. She viewed completely show home perfect houses as a place where children may not be able to play and relax

What sort of bread are you baking?

I presume you got a wide selection of fruit teas? SW managers all drink raspberry.

Fine to leave the washing out, but do emphasise that you would never allow it to get darked on.

Seriously- they don't care. They want to know the real you; it will be fine. Do give them a brew and a biscuit.

Thank you. Waiting for her to arrive is as tense as waiting on a pregnancy test.
I know after she gets here I'll relax. It's just all so exciting I don't want to make a stupid mistake.

Well it was painless. It seemed to go really well and we've now got the applications to complete so it's full steam ahead. Thanks for getting me through it. X

Really glad to hear it went well.
It's lovely to read how excited you are, I hope the process continues go smoothly for you.

Glad it went well. Fingers crossed for you and your little siblings!

Good luck OP!