Talking with Young Children about Adoption

I have spoken to many adoptive parents over the years and without fail, I always recommend this book. It is a true gem in adoption literature. I found the research appendix at the back fascinating--the authors give findings from adoptees perceptions of adoption from age three to teens. Written by adoptive moms who are also professionals in the mental health field, it is a book that should be on the bookshelf of every parent and professional.

This book could be great if it was edited better. It had some good points but you have to wade through all the words to figure out what they are trying to say. I did enjoy the personal stories on how real people have talked with their children about adoption.

It's good, but it could have been so much better.

If you wish some help in how to open conversations on adoption, then this is a good book and it has many examples to see how things may vary with each child and helps to choose what is right for your child.

I couldn't disagree more with the comment below that this was written by "some over-educated women with too much time on their hands." Actually, I know one of the authors (I used to babysit her three wonderful adopted daughters). I found the book consistent with my experience of her: as a dedicated, sensitive, gentle mother who cares deeply about her children and wants to help adoptive parents learn both from the research about adoption and our personal experiences as adoptive parents. This book is a gem!

My husband and I both read this book. Although the initial portion was a bit lengthy and exhaustive on the research and imperical data information, the dialogues between parents and children were amazing to read. It was so helpful to prepare for the possible questions that can come up and to find out how other parents responded to their children. We found it expecially interesting to analyze the types of issues that came up for the children adopted under the various circumstances. We both felt that this is imperative reading for any adoptive parents in preparing to be as open and comfortable discussing the topic of their child's adoption with the child. . .and to learn about the various issues that can present themselves at the most unexpected moments. A must-read for any adoptive parent who wants to feel prepared to make his or her child feel reassured and confident about his adoption.