You're right about the importance of recognizing the child's journey and keeping an eye on their emotional well-being - it's crucial that we as parents don't discount the influence of the past on our kids' present and future.
One tough challenge I faced was helping my child manage the guilt of feeling joyful in their new life while understanding that their biological mother couldn't provide for them. It's a delicate balance to help them process these complicated emotions without dismissing or minimizing their feelings, especially when they expressed sadness and longing for her.
I found that using age-appropriate books on the topic helped normalize these difficult feelings and provided a platform for open and honest discussion. We also worked closely with a counselor who specializes in these situations, which offered great professional insight and support during our weekly sessions.
Outside of the professionals, it's been beneficial to connect with other families who have gone through similar experiences. There's a sense of camaraderie and shared understanding among us foster-to-adopt parents, and it's reassuring to know we aren't alone in this challenging yet rewarding journey.
