by Sherrie Eldridge
Do I have what it takes to be a successful adoptive parent?
Does my child consider me a successful parent?
Will I ever hear my rebellious teen say, “I love you”?
What tools do I need to succeed?
In her groundbreaking first book, Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew, Sherrie Eldridge gave voice to the very real concerns of adopted children, whose unique perspectives offered unprecedented insight. In this all-new companion volume, Eldridge goes beyond those insights and shifts her focus to parents, offering them much-needed encouragement and hope.
Speaking from her own experience as an adoptee and an expert in the field of adoption, Eldridge shares proven strategies and the moving narratives of nearly one hundred adoptive families, helping parents gain a deeper understanding of what is normal, both for their children and themselves. By first strengthening yourself as a parent, you’ll be able to truly listen to your child, and to connect with him on every level, by opening the channels of communication and keeping them open forever. Then you and your child can grow closer through the practical exercises at the end of every chapter.
Discover how to:
Talk candidly with your child about her adoption and her birth family
Help your child move past his “broken life” narrative
Keep your family on the “truth” track
Connect with other adoptive families—and build a support network
Handle negative birth-parent history openly and honestly
Plus Learning to Become a “Warrior” Parent… Settling the “Real Parent” Question… Coping with Emotional Triggers
What to Do When You “Lose It”… Celebrating the Miracle of Your Family…and much more