Stephen and Susan were adopted together at a young age. Their adoptive parents wanted to adopt siblings to give them to security, comfort and a life long friend.
"We knew from the start we wanted 2 siblings. Most people said we were mad but we felt it was right for us. They would have security, comfort, stability and they’d have someone to play with as well as a life long friend. 3 months after panel we were matched with Steven and Susan. Their sibling, Simon, was born the day we met them, we were asked several times if we would take Simon too but absolutely knew that was not the right thing for us."
"Steven was developmentally delayed and had a very limited vocabulary of 15 words. This inability to communicate lead to severe and physical meltdowns. Susan was just crawling and a happy child, she hardly ever cried. Going from zero children to 2 in one hit was far more of a shock to the system than we could ever have imagined. The meltdowns were happening 3-4 times a day and we felt lost and helpless. For the first 3 months we questioned our sanity and if we had made the right decision."
"With love, support and a huge amount of patience Steven started to find more words and the meltdowns eased to 1 a week. Steven was giggling more and Susan was starting to walk. People talk about wanting babies so they can have firsts .. we had loads of firsts!! First steps, first I love you, first joke, first words, first time they rode a bike, rode on a train .. and so it goes on."
"Steven and Susan are older now, Steven is no longer delayed, rarely has a tantrum and loves school, they play together, bicker together and giggle together. Every morning Steven comes to wake up Susan and play in their room. It’s not easy trying to make sure they both get attention and we make a real effort to spend 1 on 1 time with each of them every day. We have met their younger brother Simon and the kids all got on brilliantly. It’s wonderful to know Simon has parents that love him and can give what he needs but still can see his siblings and develop a bond."
"Siblings may not be the easy option but it is so worth it. You need patience and you need to be honest. When it’s tough, don’t pretend all is wonderful, that doesn’t help anyone. You will find if you’re honest about your struggles, other parents are too and you don’t feel alone or that you’re a failure … in fact it’s the opposite!! You feel like you are doing the best you can and that is good enough!"
This is a real-life case study, we have changed the children's names and the image is posed by models to protect their identities.
If you're thinking about adoption, then you can find out more at one of our information events.
Book a place at an information event
If you're thinking about adoption, then you can find out more at one of our information events.
Book a place at an information event
If you'd prefer to speak to someone, then give us a call on 0300 123 6727 and we’ll be in touch with you as soon as possible.
