Great, effective approaches to issues with adopted & bio kids
592069
I have used suggestions in this book many times when issues came up with my daughter, and even used ideas here to come up with some of my own.  The ceremonies were fun, easy to adapt and effective ways to raise issues for discussion.  They were suprisingly effective at getting us unstuck so we could move on.

I have recommended the book to several parents, both adoptive and biological.
3685099
A straightforward, honest way to handle children.
1377480
Having been involved in adoptions and adoption groups for a long time, being a former adoption social worker and an adoptive mother of 2 daughters from China, I can not recommend this book highly enough. The Adoption Network: Your Guide to Starting a Support System, by Laura Christianson, is a must read for anyone interested in adoption. Her extensive background and expertise in adoptions becomes obvious in the topics that are covered and the detail that she includes. This book is written in a very organized and concise manner, with an easy to follow format. In addition to discussing the needs for, and the types of, adoption group support networks, the author covers in great detail all of the steps needed to start your own adoption support network. She includes step by step information in areas such as targeting the audience for a support network, soliciting support, planning a budget, and recruiting leadership. She then details other important components for adoption support networks such as building a resource library, developing a mentoring program, developing online connections, social events and workshops. She further includes information on training church leaders, educating the faith community and how to publicize your adoption network. The appendix is filled with resources for lauching an adoption support network and internet resources for further research and education. The author has also included handy checklists and worksheets that make the guide so simple to use and follow. All the information you will ever need is laid out step by step in a clear, easy to follow format that anyone can use successfully. This handy guide is simple enough that any layperson or adoptive parent either within or outside of the church community could easily set up their own support network. Are you an adoptive parent feeling isolated with no readily available supports? Get this book and start your own support group. Are you a member of a church who is sensitive to providing support for adoptive parents and encouragement for adoption? This book is all you will need to provide that support network. Are you part of a parent's or children's group that would like to include support for adoptive families in your community? Get this guide. After reading this book, which is also especially motivating, you will be ready to run right out and start your own support group immediately.
2743729
This book is a very readable collection of individual families' methods of coping with their own experiences of children with High Functioning Autism or Asperger Syndrome. The authors are all parents who have been coping with a child who fits one of these categories. Their stories offer both specific activities and approaches to aspects of socializing and educating children with autism or Asperger's, and the valuable perspective of seeing what problems other families have and how they deal with them.
What fascinated me was the glimpse these stories offered into the variant function patterns of the minds of individuals with Asperger's. However, I believe the creative and useful teaching techniques described throughout the book can also have much wider applicability than merely within the world of autism. For instance, the cartoon approach presented in the chapter, "Humor, Imagination and Empathy in Autism," would work well to teach these traits to any children--and all the better on children whose brains are hard-wired to learn them more easily.
As I have a background in publishing myself, I once used short, hand-drawn picture books to teach my preschool/early grade school-aged sons what to expect when I traveled on business. Therfore, I fully appreciated the hard work and imagination that went into the creation of the interactive, autobiographical "book" produced by the parents of Max to ease his entry into second grade, described in the evocatively titled chapter, "Making Friends with Aliens." This technique would be equally applicable to the introduction of any child, but particularly one who is noticeably "different," to a new social milieu.
An Appendix, "Thank You for Trusting Me," rounds out the book with collection of comments by the children themselves: how they see themselves, what helps them, what upsets them. I am impressed by their awareness of how they differ from other kids but also by their willingness to try to overcome the habits and patterns that will get in the way of their ability to function well in a world of people whose brains work differently than theirs.
I thoroughly enjoyed "meeting" these creative and intelligent people, and getting to know a little more about how else the human mind can work. I think these insights would be of immense value to anyone teaching, caring for, or friends with someone who has to struggle with Asperger's syndrome.
3531423
Messy Parenting provides a fantastic introduction to the tenants of positive parenting from a Christian point of view. Lori Wildenberg covers a variety of ways to connect with your children in helpful, healthy ways. She links each topic to specific Bible verses and stories that illuminate and reinforce these ideas. She even provides practical examples and methods to build those essential relationships.

Note: I did receive a free version of the book for review purposes.
3330669
I read a LOT of parenting books and its not often that I find a book that I agree with completely. The author advocates a very gentle, respectful parenting philosophy and writes with an understanding, friendly tone. She speaks with wisdom about the best way to respond to your child in various situations, but also understands that as parents we don't always act the way we intend in the heat of the moment. I also love that she is able to take into account individual differences between children. This book presents a ton of useful, actionable advice for preventing tantrums, dealing with meltdowns, and handling the aftermath effectively.

My favorite parenting book which focuses on a similar connection-based parenting style is&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Peaceful-Parent-Happy-Kids/dp/0399160280/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids</a>&nbsp;by Laura Markham. Parenting with Purpose shares a number of similar suggestions, but specifically targets the advice towards mothers of young kids. Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids speaks generally about kids up to adolescence (through the preteen years), which means that the advice is not always directly applicable to a parent with a barely-rational toddler or short-tempered preschooler. Parenting with Purpose provides excellent advice for younger kids, especially between the ages of 2 and 6, based on a similar foundation of respect and understanding.

Another area in which this book stands out is in the handling of incidences between siblings. The mother of 3 close-in-age kids, including twins, the author has plenty of experience overseeing disputes and preventing incidences of violence. Many parenting books give advice specifically for dealing with one child while neglecting the fact that many families need advice on situations involving multiple children. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has 2 or more kids in the toddler/preschool/kindergarten age range. (I have one of each.)

Overall, this book is a quick, easy read, packed full of useful advice for parenting young children. Not only is there a lot of actionable suggestions for making day-to-day life run smoother, but the overarching philosophy of respect and kindness will motivate you to improve your relationship with your child long term.
487193
This is currently my favourite parenting book. The authors present a positive parenting approach, while acknowledging that it is often hard to feel positive about parenting little kids. Without judgment, they address how to help parents keep their cool in the difficult moments. The focus is on building positive relationships with kids so that the difficult moments become more rare and less explosive. The first half of the book is a description of different strategies such as Acknowledge Feelings with Words and Take Action without Insult and the theories behind them. The second part of the books is a collection of specific situations which usually result in fights or tears like Morning Madness and Sibling Rivalry and how to apply the strategies to help. The authors are realistic in their expectations of parents in our modern world, and the advice they present has already made a difference in my home. I recommend this book to anyone in the throes of toddlerdom or preschoolhood.
4570484
To my friends who have adopted, have friends who have adopted..
I have LOVED this book! (even though it needs a new cover)- The author is adopted and she has adopted.
The book is child centered, has multiple options for telling your child's specific story (abandoned, drugs, rape, incest, foster, foreign, etc).  It was an amazing tool for me to write out Jack's story (and not how Jack fit into "our story").  He loves to look at his book, ask questions and see pictures of his life.

I also love the idea of "front loading,"- we give kids as much info as possible as soon as possible so they can start to deal with things before puberty.  Even the really difficult things, we tell age appropriate info like "there is more to this but, we will talk about it more when you're older." So the child doesn't feel like something is hidden or secret.
Amazing tool for our family!
82185
I am not surprised at the increase in the number of kids suffering from ADHD. This is usually treated as a medical condition when it often boils down to poor parenting skills.

I am horrified when I see young mothers, eager to do the very best for their kids, follow some strict rules laid down by a prominent psychiatrist, instead of developing a bond and sensitivity for their young children's individual needs and personality.

Conversely, doting parents who want the best for their children, letting them grow up haphazardly without any form of discipline.

Most children misbehave because they have no clear guidelines as to what the right behaviour is. They are constantly in re-active mode trying to assess how they can gain the upper hand or "get away with it"instead of acting from inner-confidence.

I was delighted to come across this book which offers such a balanced view of how to bring up a happy, confident child. The premise on which it's set lays down a very sound basis, easy to follow and implement: providing a great role model, consistency & expectation.

I have brought up my child very much in line with the advice in this book, and I can gratefully say I never had a day's problem with him. He has grown up to become a high achiever.

I know from experience these guidelines work like magic and nurture a stress-free environment.
3721457
"ParenTips for Effective, Enjoyable Parenting" is our favorite wedding gift for young couples, each with a child or children, who are merging their respective families. Since each partner is sure to bring a different orientation to child-raising, discord or at least inconsistencies can follow. This is hard on kids. But help is at hand. Dr. Heins, a popular pediatrician and educator--as well as a cracker-jack mom--has put together a contemporary, effective, practical, and caring how-to-do-it book. She has some great guidelines on raising siblings. With "ParenTips" at their fingertips, newly-linked parents can be secure they are using common-sense approaches that work. A couple of bonuses: "ParenTips," is well-organized with a good index and fun to read.
I've appreciated especially her "Sexuality/Gender" section. This is an large, awkward topic that is central to kids' understanding who they are. And it's a hard one for many parents to deal with adequately. But she shows you how to talk to kids about it in a matter-of-fact way that helps them appreciate that side of themselves.
Perhaps it's because her philosophy agrees with mine, but when I look up a problem, I'm always wanting to say "Amen, Marilyn!"
1162904
** I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review. The opinions listed below are my own and reflect my personal feelings about the book.**

This is a great way to explain to your adopted child what it means to be adopted, and explain that even though we aren't your birth parents, we love you just the same.

I love that it gives the definition of adoption so your child better understands what it means and why they are adopted. This book with it's great illustrations and it's simple child geared terms will be a great addition to any child's library.
2820018
Instead of having to read through a lengthy text to understand your child's issues (if you understand the pedagogical and esoteric phrasing), this book is more like a "go-to" manual that separates each issue into a page-long synopsis of what is going on and what you can do about it. Each page covers a different issue, in alphabetical order for easy flip-through reading, and it jumps right to the point: "My child does this, so XYZ is a great way to deal with it in a positive and loving way." Not a book for those wishing to understand the origin or genetics or background of each issue, but great for parents or teachers who have kids with multiple issues that need quick addressing. In the time it takes to flip to a page and scan it, you have a solution for dealing with it at your fingertips. I've got about a dozen other, more detailed and lengthy books on my shelves, and this was by far the easiest and most helpful of them all in helping me take care of my daughter, who has countless sensory integration issues.
1356170
I love this book!  I returned to purchase a copy for a friend as a shower gift.  They touch on all areas of parenting from sleep issues to discipline to first aid.  (Though for sleep issues I found the book The No Cry Sleep Solution very helpful.)  There have been countless times I have referenced the medicine dosing charts in the back of the book.  If you want more information about what "attachment parenting" is all about, check out [...]  I'd sum it up as meeting your baby's emotional and physical needs in order to form a healthy attachment.  Trusting your instincts is a big part of this.

Now that my son is almost a year old, I can better assess the effects that the attachment-parenting methods have had on him.  He is independent, but still responsive to my correction.  All the sleep issues we struggled with initially are starting to subside.  (Yes he IS sleeping through the night at 11 months without ever resorting to cry-it-out.  And no, he is not a naturally good sleeper.)  I am so happy I found Dr. Sears before I had him.  The attachment parenting research and information gave me the confidence I needed to trust my instincts and meet my son's needs from the start.
1325821
I've read dozens of adoption books since we created our own family through adoption in 2007.  This is by far the one that resonated with me the most.  I found the book both insightful and interesting.  It offered many creative suggestions for parenting internationally adopted children, particularly for the infant/ toddler ages.
I'm extremely glad we purchased this book and I know I will use it for years to come.
3844518
Worries about cyber-bullying and online privacy weigh heavily on my mind these days, as it does most parents I know. How to protect my children from it? What's safe, what's not? How can I keep up with their online relationships, and teach them how to protect themselves and their friends from heartless name-calling and shaming? And if I'm not technologically savvy on a particular platform, how can I keep an eye on their activities?

Galit Breen's book was a relief to read. She provides clear, easy conversation starters to talk with your child about social media - the ups, the downs, and the in-betweens. She uses her own experiences to illustrate tricky online situations and possible solutions for handling them. In addition to presenting online situations you may not have thought of, she provides some ideas on how to check in on your child's online activity. While leaving space for each family's particular set of values, she emphasizes an overall "kindness" policy and calls for a "village" mentality - where parents watch out for each other's children, instead of just one-for-one monitoring.. Each chapter ends with quick takeaways for easy review.

I highly recommend this for any parent looking for to start conversations with their child about navigating social media and handling difficult situations that will (not may) arise.
1401343
This book contains interesting information regarding the potential of adoptive and foster families to heal children harmed, abused and neglected in the first years of their lives. These children frequently exhibit behavioral problems, and the book discusses therapeutic adoptive and foster family techniques to be used with problem kids.

As with Delaney's other book,&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Troubled-Transplants/dp/1885473184/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Troubled Transplants</a>, the methods suggested here are situation-specific, and all were developed with the advice of therapists working with the families whose situations are (anonymously) described.

Also as in Troubled Transplants, this slight volume (123 pages) discusses therapeutic methods of intervention that aim to achieve four goals: Reduce and manage acting out; assist the child to become aware and conscious of others' expectations; help him/her develop constructive interpersonal skills; and to increase positive interactions between the parent and child.

The authors note frequently that when dealing with these kinds of situations, there is no magic bullet. Therapies and therapeutic parental reactions must be developed in response to each child's needs. But very often, these strategies work and just as often, they include a sense of humor.

In one case, the family discovered that their child, who consistently ran away during meals, was hiding under a neighbor's porch during his little "outings." To stop the behavior, they made arrangements with the neighbor to watch their son carefully while they responded to the behavior with a little outing of their own: After he had run away, they all piled into the family mini-van, backed out of their driveway and opened the window shouting loudly as they passed the neighbor's home that they were going out for the boy's favorite food-ice cream. After they had gone home, he came out of his hiding place, according to the neighbor, went home, and when he found the door locked, waited on the front step until his parents and siblings returned. From then on, the family went for ice cream-together-after every dinner, and the little runaway, who ran no more, went with them.

Obviously, not all therapies work in all situations.

Yet, the creative methods described here helped the children and families whose examples are noted, and the kind of contrarian thinking suggested is, as in&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Troubled-Transplants/dp/1885473184/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Troubled Transplants</a>, a useful springboard for other parents and therapists struggling to find ways to modify a child's behavior, when the many other, more conventional behavior modification systems have failed.

--Alyssa A. Lappen
2030351
My 10 yo has mild autism, and he has major organizational and focusing issues.  This book explains in very clear terms the challenges that face some kids, and steps that can be taken to minimize those challenges.

I love the checklist in part 1, because it highlighted some things even for me that I didn't realize my son needed help with.  It helped give my son the language to discuss exactly why he dislikes school so much, rather than just the generic, "I hate school, too much work, too much homework, I hate it!"  It was also a revelation to him that OTHER kids have these same issues.  Seeing a book targeted so specifically to kids with problems my son has, really hammered home that he is not alone.

The next section of the book is "Things Other People Can Do to Help Me,"  and this was a pretty weak section of the book, very basic info about the role physicians/medication, counselors, and therapists might have in helping kids with ADHD.  I suppose this section's generality makes sense because the book is targeted towards kids.

Part 3 is the meat of the book, with specific strategies kids can use to help themselves get organized and learn to focus.  It's all stuff that anyone who reads organizational books already knows (color code, checklists, etc...), but simplified and applied specifically to issues children have. This section also deals with some of the emotional issues some kids have, such as, "Things to Do If I Feel Fidgety", "Learning to Control My Anger", "Learning to Ask for Help", "Problem Solving", etc...

All in all, I highly, highly recommend this book.  Parents will probably need to help kids establish some of these routines/procedures, and certainly parents can be helpful in reminding kids of the strategies they are supposed to try to use when they get frustrated/angry.