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Again, I thank you all for your responses. I really appreciate it and obviously need to read about different experiences.

Tictoc2, thank you. I have found a couple of positive experiences reading through the archives which were really lovely to read amongst the many other posts where people have experiences more challenging and traumatic times.

We have lots to think about but I believe us as a family are a strong unit, we have a great support network and with the workshops I’m sure we can find the help, tools and support needed to continue on our journey of extending our family through adoption.

Hi, we've adopted and already had three birth children at home. We're four years in now and our girls are 14,11,10 and 7. Happy to chat, if you still feel you'd like to. We've blogged a bit about it too. Our blog is justafamilystory.me.uk :-)

Hiya, I have an 8 year old birth daughter (BD) and a 2 year old adopted daughter (AD). Right now things are working out really well for us though admittedly we are only 18 months into being a family of 4 so early days.

Our BD was 6 when our 6 month old AD came home. We involved our 6 year old throughout the whole long process and we’re very honest with her. My hubby and I regularly asked her through the process if she was still happy with everything and our social worker was good with advice and questions. She is mature for her age and we were very truthful even with some of the trickier questions like why children get adopted. Her teacher at the time was excellent as well and made it clear she was another adult to talk to. We are lucky to have a very strong support network and that has been so needed.

I don’t know what is to come for the future but I don’t regret our decision one bit. Naturally there have been massive changes and my AD is extremely and notably hyperactive. She is too young yet for a diagnosis but we have already noticed our parenting styles adapting. Even though AD was in foster care from birth we identify some attachment issues from her pre birth trauma and her birth parental background. Having said this she is a super lively and gorgeous little girl. Seeing our 2 daughters together is pure joy and those snapshots are precious.

There is is lots of info out there. You sound like you are very open minded and eyes open right now so just take your time like you’re doing. Contact me anytime if you would like to chat

Thank you MommaBear and Mummy Kazz, It's good to hear from you both.

We start our workshops in October. We haven't mentioned anything to our children as yet as we feel the workshops will give us a starting point of discussion. We plan to involve them both along the whole process from then as we want to make sure they get a chance to ask their questions and explore the process with us.

Still gathering info and reading up on parenting etc. MommaBear I haven't had a chance to read your blog but I've made a note of it to read soon, thank you.

Hi there,

I have two biological children, who were aged 6 and 4 when we adopted a 4 year old. They are all very close in age. That was 5 years ago. Our AS has some difficulties, but all 3 children get along great and really look after each other. We are heading into the pre-teen years and I am nervous about having 3 pre-teens, and particularly wondering what challenges will present as my AS re-experiences his foster and adoption experiences as his cognitive skills reach new levels. But I wouldn't have changed a thing and we feel very blessed. I am actually new to this site, but I am feeling very nervous reading about everyone else's difficulties with their adopted children - birth children dynamics, wondering if I have missed a step...

Hi, I have 2bc and my youngest was 15 when my AD son came home (he was nearly 1) nearly 2 years in and we have all settled well. I know if is early days. However, there are a lot of support groups that can advise you. When having birth children I would go for as young child as possible. However, as we know there are still a lot of unknowns through having a child.

Happy to answer any questions