Product Description

This book is essential reading for all adoptive parents,those considering adoption and the professional who serve these families.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #220990 in Books
• Published on: 1995-09-25
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

From Library Journal
This title, which covers all aspects of adoption, argues that whatever happened, whenever it took place, and for whatever reasons, children in need of adoption have become separated from their birth parents and their genetic roots. Though writing for the adoptive parent, the authors have produced a book that will also be useful for professionals working with adoptive families. One fear among expectant parents is whether they and their child will be close. Adoptive parents ask, "Can I love an adopted child the same as I would a birth child?" Beginning with bonding of child to parent, the authors do a fine job on the developing child, covering early infancy through adolescence. Leading authority Van Gulden offers practical advice for parents on how to talk with their children about adoption and how to help them through the rougher times of growing up adopted. Highly recommended for academic and public libraries with strong reader interest in this area.
- Jan Wiedemann, Vernon, Tex.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Crossroad Publishing Company
A leading authority on adoption and an award-winning writer bring wisdom and clarity to situations important to all adoptive parents. Real Parents, Real Children goes beyond the question of when to tell children they are adopted with practical advice for parents on how to talk with their children about adoption...

Throughout, the special concerns and challenges of interracial, international, and older-child adoptions are also addressed.

Real Parents, Real Children ... offers confidence and assurance as well as sought-after answers to lifelong questions.

Customer Reviews

Adoption
A good book to read for those who are thinking about of have already adopted a child.

Real Parents Real Children
A little clinical but very helpful for learning what to expect during each developmental stage.

What is best for the person separated from family?
I know people who have raised a grandchild and pretended to be the mother, rather than grandmother - which caused the adopted person intense grief and anger later on.

I know someone who cared for two kids who were not his own and was proud to be known as their "step-father", not pretending to be their father.

I know someone who cared for a child, loving him and providing for him in exactly the same way he would have if the boy was his own. He referred to himself as the "guardian" of the boy and still allowed the boy's family members (excluding the abuser) to communicate with the boy and referred to them as his relatives.

I believe it makes it more difficult for a child to discuss her very real loss (loss of her sister, grandparent or parent) when the people caring for her keep insisting they are her "real" family. Real caregiver, real guardian - and hopefully loving and considerate. But I question whether it is considerate or loving (in the long run) to pretend to be the real family members.