It is so hard to remember the girls aren't eleven in maturity. Sometimes they are no more mature or developed than a five or six year old. This is such a difficult situation when they want to do preteen things but they aren't ready to be a preteen. They think they are so grown up and then make choices and follow directions as a young child.
I pray very often that God will help me discern which age they are each and everyday. It is definitely a moving target.
Just found your blog and look forward to reading more.
ReplyDeleteMy two adopted girls are 11 & 14. They have been home from Ghana for 4 1/2 years. We, too, have many days where it still feels like they are in preschool. The most difficult thing is having other children close in age that are ready for the rewards and responsibilities of being a preteen or teen. (Our 3 youngest bio. are 10, 12, 16, so the girls fit right in the middle.)
As I have always done with my 10 bio. kids, I must treat each child as an individual. And, thus, must not give my adopted girls more responsibilities or privileges than they are mature enough to handle.
Laurel
mama of 12