Adoption is a big step which can change the whole dynamics of the family. It is crucial that parents understand the impact it has when new sibling relationships are forged and an adoptee becomes a part of the family.Welcoming a New Brother or Sister through Adoption is a comprehensive yet accessible guide that describes the adoption process and the impact of adoption on every member of the family, including the adopted child. It prepares families to have realistic expectations and equips them with knowledge to deal with a host of situations that may arise, addressing difficult questions head-on: Did we make the right choice by adopting?, How is this affecting our 'typical' children?, Will our adopted son or daughter heal? are explored and solutions discussed in detail. All this is accompanied with real life stories and direct quotes from children, which make it a realistic and insightful resource.This book is vital reading for adoptive families and professionals who work with them including social workers, counselors and psychologists.
Introduction. 1. ''I'm Getting a Brother or Sister!'': Kids Develop Expectations Pre-Adoption. 2. ''My New Brother or Sister Experienced Trauma: What Does that Mean?''. 3. Pre-Adoption Preparation: ''Yes, We Brothers and Sisters Need Information''. 4. ''I Am a 'Quality' Parent!'': Reviewing and Refining Your Parenting Strengths. 5. Finally! My New Brother or Sister is Arriving!. 6. ''After He Came, Everything Changed!'': Post-Placement Common Challenges. 7. ''My Brother or Sister Won't be Living with Us Any More'': Disruption, Dissolution, Displacement and Other Leavings. 8. ''Help Me Cope, Please'': Striking a Balance Post-Adoption. 9. Triggers, Losses and Feelings: Facilitating Your Son's and Daughter's Grief. 10. ''You Know Your Birthmother and I Don't'': Blending Children with Diverse Birth Histories - an Emerging Common Challenge. 11. ''My New Sibling's Behaviors Are So Bizarre!'' Learning to Be a Peaceful Family Again. 12. Two of the Toughest Behaviors - Sexual-Acting Out and Aggression: Ensuring a Safe, Secure Home Environment. 13. ''We Hardly have Family Game Night Anymore'': Restoring Family Fun. 15. ''Yes, I Have Experienced Positives!'' Brothers, Sisters and Adoptees Speak about the Benefits of Adoption. Appendices. References. Index.
This book is written by an adoption professional... The book mainly focuses on integrating traumatised children into families that typically have children already, whether birth, adopted or step. The book covers all aspects of the needs of traumatised children and their behaviour, as well as lots of parenting advice and help. I especially liked the case studies... I found it incredibly informative.
