tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3096204059985406542.post5019248785130162097..comments2024-02-23T06:52:46.801+00:00Comments on Al Coates - Adoption:Fostering:Social Work: Social Work and Adoption Pt:1Al Coateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364194762953045888noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3096204059985406542.post-1662113017373522122017-11-14T07:48:56.140+00:002017-11-14T07:48:56.140+00:00It is a constant challenge to remains positive as ...It is a constant challenge to remains positive as the ebb and flow of our lives continues. Like you I don't want to be a cynic or a only speak of the negatives but some days they can be consuming. I'm not that fresh faced optimised of 18 years ago but I'd not change it for the world. Many thanks for commenting. AlAl Coateshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04364194762953045888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3096204059985406542.post-73275713992874279572017-11-10T07:51:52.069+00:002017-11-10T07:51:52.069+00:00Your words very much resonated with me. I would ad...Your words very much resonated with me. I would add that despite the varying quality of the different social workers, for me, the past 11 years of living with my two lovely, but highly traumatised children has changed my perspective on the world. At times I discover I have unwittingly become the cynical, angry and frustrated adopter that I used to despise when I met them at support groups when my wife and I were 'jumping through the hoops' in the adoption preparation groups. "I won't be like that, I thought when I get my children; no wonder they have problems, its all to do with the negative attitude of that adopter" I used to unfairly and naïvely judge. <br />Our journey has jostled and knocked me in every direction. Like most adopters, I am not the same person I was when I welcomed our 3 year olds in to our family at the start.<br />I have been reflecting on this over the last few days, before I came across this blog. I have decided that in order to refuel during the short and often unexpected 5-10 min downtime, in preparation for the next onslaught, it is helpful to try and reframe the situation. It may be the same events and the same characters but can I view it from a different perspective? Hopefully that will draw me away from the 'doom and gloom' that uninvitedly engulfs me during the frequent challenges and crisis of our family life.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3096204059985406542.post-65765439822941025382017-10-25T16:49:17.245+01:002017-10-25T16:49:17.245+01:00ThanksThanksAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04258403403329675528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3096204059985406542.post-46987818853152064062017-10-23T13:38:28.844+01:002017-10-23T13:38:28.844+01:00Hi, thanks for commenting. Yes, we can't deny ...Hi, thanks for commenting. Yes, we can't deny that at times we have fantastic professionals but at the back of our minds we know the it may bee a passing phase!<br />Al Coateshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04364194762953045888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3096204059985406542.post-66580612105669523452017-10-20T09:08:03.592+01:002017-10-20T09:08:03.592+01:00My sentiments exactly. The number of times/people ...My sentiments exactly. The number of times/people we have explained our situations too is too many to recall. At this point in time, our adoption support social worker & school too, are fabulous & doing all they can to help. Long may it continue, but, don't hold your breath ....... there will be more budget cuts, merging of agencies, shutting of facilities. Grab it with both hands whilst it is available.MyboyChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05576076167569650677noreply@blogger.com