Adopting a toddler and needing advice
Hello, I’m a 20yo planning on adopting a toddler soon and I have no idea how parenting works! I turn 21 next month and thats the age you have to be to legally adopt, but I’ve been taking care of her on weekends and a couple days over the summer. I have my own place and a stable job, so income wont really be an issue. I’m mostly considered about her health and emotional needs. The toddler is a family friend of a friend, her mom is currently struggling with a crack addiction and her dad does not want to be the full time parent. He has full custody but has been leaving the baby at my aunts house mostly. My aunt has 6 kids of her own so the toddler is extra stress on her rn, and my family asked me if I would want to take her in. Shes about 19mo and the most adorable little girl ever, me and her bonded pretty much the first time I met her. She can walk, talk, has personality, favorite foods. Shes been evaluated by a pediatrician and they say she is way too small for her age, and suggested I get her on a meal plan asap. They told me to make a list of her favorite foods and then try to get those more protein dense, also suggested powders and stuff. She eats normally (i think. Im not sure how much a 2 yo is supposed to eat. I promise im trying to research as much as possible but before this i wasnt planning on being a mom so its hard figuring everything out so fast!) but since she was born with drugs in her system her body has trouble retaining the food and actually using it for nutrients. Luckily the mom didnt start using again until later on in the pregnancy, so the kid is relatively healthy minus her weight and a few scars/sores. I want to take her to get bloodwork done and full evaluation to make sure she actually is healthy, but I have to wait until adoption paperwork clears. She isnt alarmingly skinny, but def small enough to where you’d guess shes way younger. I’m vegetarian and struggle with my own food intake, so I do realize this is something I’m going to have to get serious and plan about pretty soon. Please feel free to drop any parenting tips or helpful advice, especially as it relates to nutrition! Thank you