The Whole Life Adoption Book Book

Acknowledgments     9
Introduction: A Relationship of Promise     13
Adoption: A Labor of the Heart
Making Room in the Family: Unique Challenges Adoptive Parents Must Face     19
Creating a Family: Understanding the Adoption Process     33
Navigating Intercountry Adoption: Preparing for the Journey     49
Transcultural Adoption: Blending Different Worlds     63
What Builds Healthy Adoptive Families?: Six Critical Success Factors     77
Developing a Supportive Adoption Environment: How to Prepare Biological Children, Family, and Friends     97
When a Child Comes Home
Barriers to Adjustment: Strategies to Ease the Transition     121
Attachment, Development, and the Impact of Trauma: What Adoptive Parents Need to Know     137
Living with Children with Attachment Trauma: Understanding the Terminology, Diagnosis, and Parenting Strategies     151
Communicating about Adoption
How Do We Feel About Adoption?: Understanding the Different Perspectives of Parents and Children     167
Talking to Children About Adoption: When and How     181
Growing up Adopted
What's Inside an Adopted Adolescent?: Helping Teens Resolve Five Crucial Issues     201
Searching for a Past: Why Adopted Children Seek Their Roots and How Parents Can Respond     219
Creating a Nurturing Family: GivingOur Children What They Need     235
Attachment Theories     245
Tools and Resources for Talking to Children About Adoption     247
Notes     253
About the Authors     265