The Connected Child by Karen B. Purvis

I've been interested in reading up a bit on adoption and this is one of the books that I came across in the library.  Unfortunately, I didn't agree with some of the tools used with adopted children and because its more geared towards adopting an older child from the foster system or from other countries and cultures, I was a bit disappointed.  But on the other hand, it did give me some great insight on how to read children and understand more fully why they exhibit specific behaviors.  There are a number of children in our neighborhood that come from less than desirable circumstances and now understanding why they do some of the things they do has helped me with having more patience and grace towards them. 

If Jason and I did adopt, we would go with adopting a baby domestically, that's just more where our heart is at - so this book didn't really hit the mark for where our heart is.  But if you do have a heart for international adoption or adopting older children, there are some great insights to glean from within these pages.  I've got another adoption book in my radar that I'll be picking up next that is directed more towards open adoptions, which I think is a fascinating and awesome idea.

Description: The adoption of a child is always a joyous moment in the life of a family. Some adoptions, though, present unique challenges. Welcoming these children into your family--and addressing their special needs--requires care, consideration, and compassion.

Written by two research psychologists specializing in adoption and attachment, "The Connected Child" will help you: Build bonds of affection and trust with your adopted child Effectively deal with any learning or behavioral disorders Discipline your child with love without making him or her feel threatened

Reviews: "A tremendous resource for parents and professionals alike."--Thomas Atwood, president and CEO, National Council for Adoption


"A must-read not only for adoptive parents, but for all families striving to correct and connect with their children." --Carol S. Kranowitz, author of "The Out-of-Sync Child"

"Drs. Purvis and Cross have thrown a life preserver not only to those just entering uncharted waters, but also to those struggling to stay afloat."--Kathleen E. Morris, editor of "S. I. Focus" magazine

"Truly an exceptional, innovative work . . . compassionate, accessible, and founded on a breadth of scientific knowledge and clinical expertise." --Susan Livingston Smith, program director, Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute

""The Connected Child" is the literary equivalent of an airline oxygen mask and instructions: place the mask over your own face first, then over the nose of your child. This book first assists the parent, saying, in effect, 'Calm down, you're not the first mom or dad in the world to face this hurdle, breathe deeply, then follow these simple steps.' The sense of not facing these issues alone--the relief that your child's behavior is not off the charts--is hugely comforting. Other children have behaved this way; other parents have responded thusly; welcome to the community of therapeutic and joyful adoptive families." --Melissa Fay Greene, author of "There is No Me Without You: One Woman's Odyssey to Rescue Africa's Children