Friday 5 June 2015

Sibling Bonding


 
One thing we were concerned about when we began this adoption journey was how our three birth kids would cope with being invaded and out numbered by four new kids that would require a lot of time and attention.


Sure they were all teens and should fear better than younger kids that would need to find their place in the new order of things. But they still had their own issues, needs, and way of doing things and all was about to change...
And change is hard... for everyone... even teens!!!


Before the younger kids came home the teens all had a bedroom to themselves, now everyone shares with a younger sibling or two. They had their stuff and knew where it was. Now nothing is where it should be and there is no place where the younger ones won't eventually find it. 


If the younger kids see something they like they take it, they use it, or they hide it. If they don't see something they like they go snooping... in drawers, in wardrobes, in bags. They have the amazing ability to find anything that has been put away as private.


All this makes for a hard time in accepting the younger siblings by the teens. But somehow through determination, understanding, and forgiveness our teens have chosen to find ways to bond with their younger siblings.


And we are finally beginning to look and feel like a single family unit once again!




Mumzy




Monday 1 June 2015

Making Good Memories


 
Our children have so many bad memories.
 
 
Thoughts that make it hard for them to sleep
through the night.
 
 
Moments from their past that that trigger
fear and mistrust towards us.
 
 
Triggers that tell their brains and bodies to run away,
to fight back, shout and hit out physically.
 
 
As a family we are working hard to make new memories.
 
 
Memories that will bring a smile to their faces
when they are quiet in their beds at night.
 
 
Moments that are a healing balm to their aching hearts.
 
 
 
Mumzy