From childless couple to suddenly raising my sister's kids. Life is unrecognizable. | DadHQ

Forums Before & AfterFrom childless couple to suddenly raising my sister's kids. Life is unrecognizable.

From childless couple to suddenly raising my sister's kids. Life is unrecognizable.

2w ago·1 min read

My sister passed away 18 months ago and we took custody of her kids, ages 7 and 10. We were never planning on having kids. Our house was peaceful, our schedule was our own. Now it's homework, dentist appointments, custody stuff with their dad, therapy. Some days I feel resentful and then I feel guilty for feeling resentful. My wife and I had to completely restructure everything. But these kids needed us. I miss my old life but I don't regret it. It's just a lot.

3 comments171 views

Comments(3)

BBradRegular2w ago

You weren't planned to be their parent but you stepped up anyway. That matters so much more than having nine months to prepare. They've already had the worst loss imaginable and you caught them. You're doing better than you think.

JJamesRegular2w ago

That's a lot to process all at once. Grief and instant parenthood. I adopted my kids and even with time to prepare it was overwhelming. Seven and ten is a tough age because they're old enough to understand what happened but still need everything.

SSam T.Regular2w ago

Man, I'm really sorry about your sister. Eighteen months in and you're still here asking questions and trying to get it right. Those kids are lucky. This has to be the hardest before-and-after story on here.