Our Own

Based on the author's experiences as an adoptive mother and foster parent, as well as interviews with professionals, adults who were adopted, and dozens of adoptive families, this tribute to "our own kids" is easy to read and filled with compassion, humor, and common sense. Suitable for families adopting domestically or internationally, it covers a wide range of topics related to older child adoption, including:

• Choosing an agency and finding a child to adopt
• The family's adjustment
• Ways to help your child bond
• Dealing with school issues and officials
• Handling difficult behavior such as tantrums and lying
• Recognizing the symptoms of ADHD, posttraumatic stress, and other mental health issues
• The "core issues" of adoption, such as grief, identity and loss
• Birthfamilies and culture
• Hepatitis, parasites, and other medical issues
• The joys of becoming a family