Description
Book SynopsisWhy was I abandoned?
Why did my parents adopt me?
What if I want to meet my biological parents?
Children who find out they are adopted have many questions that are difficult for a parent to answer. This book explores children's thoughts and feelings and provides parents with guidance on how to respond to difficult questions.
The author covers all the common questions that children ask and provides sensitive, candid answers in a way that children will be able to understand and relate to. Each chapter is devoted to a particular issue, such as why a child is adopted, who chose the child's first name and what happens when the child grows up. The book recognizes the emotions and reactions of everyone in the family and includes separate conclusions for parents and children.
This handy guide offers useful advice for parents and will also be of interest to counsellors and other professionals working with children.
Trade ReviewThis is a small, easy to read book...There are helpful chapters on how children might ask about looking different from their adoptive family or manage ambivalent feelings about their country of birth. -- Youth in Mind
This little book is written in a very accessible format; dealing with a range of questions that might arise about adoption, these matters are dealt with gently and thoughtfully. -- Seen + Heard
Chapters are well constructed with an introductory section followed by excerpts from interviews with adopted children of various ages. The checklist for children and notes for parents in the final chapters are succinct and reassuring, as is advice to parents that they should bear in mind that asking fro help is not a sign of parental incompetence. -- Rostrum
Table of ContentsContents: Preface. 1. Why was I abandoned: could it happen again? 2. Why have my parents chosen me? 3. How did my parents adopt me? 4. We're a family now – just like other people! 5. Everyone says I'm different! 6. Where does my first name come from? 7. Who were my parents when I was born? 8. Where do I come from? 9. Sometimes it's hard to be adopted! 10. What about when I grow up? 11. Will I be able to adopt a child when I grow up? Appendix 1: A checklist for children. Appendix 2: A note for parents only. Appendix 3: Useful websites.
