Attaching in Adoption. Practical Tools for Today's Parents

Editorial Review
Proper attachment is the most fundamental issue in a successful adoption, but what exactly does the term mean? Attaching in Adoption answers that question thoroughly, and it provides solutions to a variety of specific attachment problems.

Along with technical explanations of challenges such as self-esteem, childhood grief, and limit-testing, the book includes a tremendous number of personal vignettes illustrating attachment-related situations. Parents who are convinced that only their child has ever behaved a certain way are sure to take comfort in these stories; not only do they include kids from all backgrounds and age groups, but each has an ultimately happy ending. The emotional health of the whole family is also paramount according to the book--with plenty of rest and "alone time," caregivers are more likely to be emotionally available when they are most needed.

Customer Reviews

Outstanding-- again and again and agian

2008-10-21
As the mother of two children adopted from Eastern Europe, and having read stacks and stacks of books on adoption and parenting children with attachment disorder, I can honestly say this one was the most helpful. My children were both 2 at adoption and are now both 11. We have weathered suicide attempts and many other serious mental and emotional problems, including a long-term psychiatric hospitalization, and still, when I have a question about my children's attachment development and what I can do to help, this is the book to which I turn. I only wish every teacher and professional that works with my children could/would also read this book.

Too Clinical

2008-09-16
You can tell this book is written by a professional therapist. I was looking for some straight-forward, basic help. This book did not do the trick. By the time you filter through her theraputic "mumble-jumble", you are only left with s thimble full of helpful advise. It was not worth my time or money. Back to the drawing board!

Attaching in Adoption: Practical Tools for Today's Parents

2008-08-04
I just wish I had had this book 2 years ago when I started as a foster parent. Yes it is mostly for adoption but I think it would have helped me tremdously.

Very Helpful and Educational

2008-07-07
This book was a gift after we adopted two toddlers from Russia. It helped to understand how attachment happens and to understand the stages. This book helped our family attachment struggles take a turn for the better. 2 1/2 years later the boys are wonderfully attached. This book wasn't the only tool used but was critical to first understanding how attachment works.

Good for Adoptive parents

2008-06-28
This book will give you insights into the areas we do not normaly think about in adoption. A good hepling hand.

Awesome book!

2008-05-10
Proper attachment is the most fundamental issue in a successful adoption, but what exactly does the term mean? Attaching in Adoption answers that question thoroughly, and it provides solutions to a variety of specific attachment problems.

Because Attaching in Adoption focuses on special needs, families who are coming together through foster programs, at later ages, or across cultural lines will find it especially helpful. Both psychologically detailed and straightforwardly helpful, it can be of equal benefit to counselors and parents alike. --Jill Lightner

No impressed 2008-05-10
I felt like this book was a little too clinical for my taste. As an RN, I can appreciate any good clinical advise but I felt the author was not well rounded, i.e. experience, in her approach to attachment.

Now My Questions have been answered 2008-04-13
Attaching in Adoption: Practical Tools for Today's Parents

Wow I have really enjoyed this great book, it has certainly helped me understand why our son is like he is! We have been searching for answers for a few years now, and finally we can understand! We have asked several professioanls, but have had no luck. They put a "label" to his disorder, but never offered any reasons as to why and how to try and make our families life a bit more normal! Thank you Deborah

My Number One Top Adoption-Related Book. 2008-03-05
This book should - no joke - be mandatory for anyone who intends to adopt. It's a heavy-duty, informative and educational book that offers advice, narratives, tips and ideas for helping create a strong and positive bond between adoptive parents and adoptive children. This is not a chipper "go you!" book - it's honest and contains information about some of the potential "ugly" parts of adoption in addition to the positive parts.

If I could recommend only ONE book to adoptive parents it would be this one. Without question.

Difficult Adjustment 2008-03-03
I ordered this after we adopted two older boys from a foreign country. One of them had terrible moods, threw and broke things, bit me, hid in the closets, refused to go to school etc. Even as a Social Worker, I was discouraged. This book was very helpful putting things in perspective.