Our first AP was amazing and we extended. I don't regret the decision, but I wouldn't do it again. As most PP have stated, APs really expire before the 2 year mark. I think ours got to the 16-18 month mark and suddenly realized that she needed to make plans for the next phase of her life...she became very preoccupied with this and wanted to leave at 21 months.



Similar thing happened to us. I’m never going to extend again and I tell people not to do it.

And because I really liked her and saw her need to move on, I agreed to it, which was not in my best interest, and then had to scramble to piece childcare together. I think the one year AP allows you to welcome her into your family but still keep the professional part of the relationship intact. Something starts to happen that second year where AP really sees herself as your daughter and expects to be treated as such. It is hard to explain, but I will never extend again no matter how incredible the AP is. If she really wants to stay a second year, I think it is best to do it with a new family.

Anonymous wrote:Our first AP was amazing and we extended. I don't regret the decision, but I wouldn't do it again. As most PP have stated, APs really expire before the 2 year mark. I think ours got to the 16-18 month mark and suddenly realized that she needed to make plans for the next phase of her life...she became very preoccupied with this and wanted to leave at 21 months.

Similar thing happened to us. I’m never going to extend again and I tell people not to do it.