"Riding the bike".....again

[Imz_Candleman]

Well, they say that some things are like riding a bike...you never forget how to do it. Well, after being childless for 3 years (thanks to the unforgiving ex who doesn't seem to want to acknowledge the fact that the 3 boys she is raising also have a father), I have discovered that fatherhood falls into the "bike riding" category.

My new wife and I have just gotten custody of her 3 year old second cousin, Tristan. We hope to adopt him when we can. But in the meantime, we have many obstacles with Tristan that we need to overcome. While most of my fatherhood "skills" are coming back to me in small spurts. Taking custody of a 3 year old who doesn't know you and comes from an extremely neglectful environment is posing a new set of challenges....but I'll post about those issues later. :D

For now, I just wanted to say "Hi" and I'm looking forward to being part of the SAHD club.

8)

[floridamcmarion1]

Welcome to the site Candleman. I can most definately relate to your situation. My wife and I are foster parents. We have had 15 different children come through our home in a little over 2 1/2 years. Nearly half of those have been toddlers, and all of them have been either abused or neglected. The most important thing to remember when bringing a child into your home who does not know you and is coming from abuse or neglect is that they need all the love they can get. Trust will come and they will settle in to your schedule. Just make sure you let them know they are loved and that whatever happened in the past is not their fault. You will be amazed how quickly they settle into your family.

[tt3]

Welcome aboard Candleman, I look forward to hearing more about your experiences. We're a friendly bunch, feel free to rant or just say hey!
cheers

[mjknapp]

welcome aboard, I imagine it is hard trying to introduce a child into a new home at such a vulnerable age, I hope all works out well with everyone, Stick around, and keep posting.

[Remington]

Welcome Candleman! :D