Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4681 in Books
• Published on: 2002-05
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 391 pages

Amazon.com
Proper attachment is the most fundamental issue in a successful adoption, but what exactly does the term mean? Attaching in Adoption answers that question thoroughly, and it provides solutions to a variety of specific attachment problems.

Along with technical explanations of challenges such as self-esteem, childhood grief, and limit-testing, the book includes a tremendous number of personal vignettes illustrating attachment-related situations. Parents who are convinced that only their child has ever behaved a certain way are sure to take comfort in these stories; not only do they include kids from all backgrounds and age groups, but each has an ultimately happy ending. The emotional health of the whole family is also paramount according to the book--with plenty of rest and "alone time," caregivers are more likely to be emotionally available when they are most needed.

Because Attaching in Adoption focuses on special needs, families who are coming together through foster programs, at later ages, or across cultural lines will find it especially helpful. Both psychologically detailed and straightforwardly helpful, it can be of equal benefit to counselors and parents alike. --Jill Lightner

From Publishers Weekly
Gray, a clinical social worker specializing in attachment, grief and trauma, has penned a comprehensive guidebook for adoptive parents, taking an in-depth look at how children and families adjust. The author notes that many of today's adoptions involve older children who may have been abused or neglected, or who may have spent years in institutions or various foster situations; due to their past experiences these children may have difficulty attaching to their adoptive parents. Explaining that attachment forms the template for future adult relationships, Gray stresses how important it is for adoptive parents to be patient in forging this new bond. She advises creating a high structure/ high nurture environment for the child, and instructs parents to find out about their child's background. The book covers many issues, including cross-cultural and interracial adoption, religious concerns and other complications for attaching, such as ADHD and learning disabilities. Gray also includes a detailed exploration of developmental delays common in kids who have been adopted later in life. While the book is densely written, it will nevertheless be invaluable for adoptive parents. Gray compassionately helps readers form realistic expectations, while offering a myriad of suggestions for families and children striving to form lasting, loving relationships.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Awesome book!
Excellent book, essential resource, practical and easy to read. This book and her new one (see below) are really all you need to read on this subject. The new one is better in my opinion, but both are terrific.


Nurturing Adoptions: Creating Resilience After Neglect and Trauma

No impressed
I felt like this book was a little too clinical for my taste. As an RN, I can appreciate any good clinical advise but I felt the author was not well rounded, i.e. experience, in her approach to attachment.

Now My Questions have been answered
Attaching in Adoption: Practical Tools for Today's Parents

Wow I have really enjoyed this great book, it has certainly helped me understand why our son is like he is! We have been searching for answers for a few years now, and finally we can understand! We have asked several professioanls, but have had no luck. They put a "label" to his disorder, but never offered any reasons as to why and how to try and make our families life a bit more normal! Thank you Deborah