Here are some quick, little reviews on some of the books I’ve read on adoptive parenting. Some of these are specificly about parenting practices, and others include information about the actual adoption process. If you have read these, I’d love to hear your thoughts on them as well. For more detailed reviews, find these titles on Instagram @adoption.books.
The Primal Wound: Understanding The Adopted Child, by Nancy Newton Verrier -Adoptee centric, essential information about the innate loss of both biological mother and child, even if the child is separated from the mother at birth. MUST read for all hopeful and adoptive parents. Written by an adoptive parent.
.
The Connected Child, by Karyn B. Purvis and David R. Cross (adoptee/former foster youth) – This is also a must- read, staple for all adoptive parents, and those considering adoption. Provides information and advice for attachment style parenting for children from hard places or with special needs. Practical and easy to read.
.
Forever Mom: What to Expect When You’re Adopting, by Mary Ostyn -Written by an adoptive parent, practical parenting advice based on the author’s experience parenting both biological and adopted children- ten in total. Christian-faith based. I recommend this to all my Christian friends considering adoption or who are adopting toddlers and/or older children. Even though the adoptees’ stories are shared, I believe that privacy is respected.
.
Attaching in Adoption: Practical Tools for Today’s Parents, by Deborah D. Grey –This is an excellent read for research results and parenting strategies for attachment style parenting of adopted children or children with special needs and trauma. Reads clinical as opposed to anecdotal.
.
Lionheart: The Real Life Guide For Adoptive Families, by Jodie Hampshire, Selina Smyth & Jamie Flinos, with Robbert Harris – This is a guide for what many adoptive parent’s will experience in international or older child adoption, and I recomend to waiting parents or those considering international adoption. It is full of personal experiences, and tips on what to do in various situations common to adoptive families.
.
Upside Down: Understanding And Supporting Attachment In Adoptive Families, by Shannon Guerra – This is a tiny little books. A really simple, quick read for those close to adoptive families. The books gives easy to understand explanations for why adoptive parenting strategies might look “upside down” to those who are not parenting children with adoption related trauma. A great gift for your friends and family to help them help you.
.
Handbook to Thriving As An Adoptive Family: Real Life Solutions For Common Challenges, edited by David and Rene Sandford – Advice for adoptive parenting put out by Christian organization, Focus On The Family. AP centric, multiple entries by adoptive parents sharing their personal experiences and parenting tips. Easy read. Contains AP centric adoption language.
.
The Whole Brained Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies To Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind, by Daniel R. Seigel and Tina Payne Bryson– Not adoptive parenting specific, but recommended for any parent who desires attachment style parenting and who is parenting children with unique challenges. Very practical parenting strategies.
.
The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Disorder, by Carol Kranowitz – Did you know that as high as 80% of children who experience separation from their biological families have issues with how their senses process stimuli. This book is a must read for adoptive parents since so many of our children will experience sensory processing challenges. This book will be life altering if you have been at your wits end to help your child who is melting down “for no reason”.