Our Own: Adopting and Parenting the Older Child SYNOPSIS
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
FROM THE CRITICS
Library Journal
In this thorough guide to the adoption of older children, Maskew--a mother of three, including two boys adopted at ages five and nine--argues that there's a big gap between the fantasy of adoption and its reality. While it was once thought that lots of love and a good home would take care of the problems inherent in adopting a child, families and social workers now know that that is not true. Raising adopted children is not the same as raising birthchildren, as Maskew knows, and she offers ideas and advice that are both practical and extensive. She deals with racism, problems around the holidays, disabled and special-needs children, and international adoptees. In a society that still views adoption as second best to birthing a child, Maskew sees commitment and support as the keys; love will come along. An excellent chapter on medical diagnosis and a full bibliography that includes books, periodicals, web sites, clinics, and published reports round out this title. Excellent for all public libraries.--Linda Beck, Indian Valley P.L., Telford, PA Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.
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