Maybe Days is a wonderful book for kids in foster care. It is written for kids age 4-10. You can find it at the Adoption.com Shop in hardcover or softcover.

The book has language that children can understand, and more importantly, validates children’s feelings. Here is an excerpt:

Some... more

This is a novel written by Mark Haddon which won the 2003 Whitbread Book of the Year and the 2004 Commonwealth Writers' Prize for Best First Book.

My Mother-In-Law recommended this book to me. This is NOT a parenting book. It is a novel that you can just sit down and enjoy.

Upon starting the book, you... more

I picked this book up when I was at the school counselor conference in February.

The cover photo caught my eye. Sadly, this is a sight I have seen in my home several times, and something I could anticipate happening in the future. I have seen my son in handcuffs more times than I can remember. I have lost count.

This book takes a light hearted, but serious look at a very troubling subject.

For many parents, this is a hot button issue. I know it has been discussed many times on the Adoption.com... more

In preparation for my talk in Vail, I’m taking a pile of books with me that have themes of foster adoption, the emotional turmoil of birth mother and bio family, and the connection between bio-family and children.

So far on my list I have the Dave Pelzer books (A child called It and others), and Another place at the table A story of shattered childhoods redeemed by love; Kathy Harrison.

There is still time for me to get more resources from the... more

Sandra Boyton is one of my favorite children’s authors. (mostly for toddlers) She’s been around for ever, having written some of her books way back in the 70’s, and all her books are funny, quick, clever.

One of my favorites, (It’s hard to pick just one), is Barnyard Dance. It is tied for first place in all time best selling Boyton books... more

So yesterday I wrote about Drama Queens in my blog, but actually I call K a princess – a Queen in training. It goes like this:

K – I’m a princess

Me – Yes you are honey, and who is the Queen?

K – You are!

Me – and when will you be a Queen?

K – When I’m big!

I love this concept. It allows K to be special but she’s a queen in training! She knows I’m still in control.

The book, ... more

I've just discovered a great resource for fost-adopt parents on adoptionshop.com.

It is a kit, called Forever Yours, and works with parents and children to help make the transiition from foster care to adoption easier. I am presuming this works best for older children coming out of the system.

I haven't used it, or seen it, I'd love someone to add a review to the comments below.

Here is the info I found about it on adoption.com

Including The Past:

Your child's foster family experience, both with you and others, as well... more

I’m a huge love and logic fan. I first discovered it when I had a couple of very very very (how many verys can I get away with here?) tough children, who just did their own thing, REGARDLESS of what I did. I had to learn fast how to teach that actions meant consequences for them, not for me. These kids were three and five years old. I’ve written about some of our story with them here.

Anyway,... more

When we first were approved as a foster-adopt home, my sister (the MSW one, not the fashion one and curly hair one) sent me this book, Time - Out for Parents, A Compassionate Approach to Parenting by Cheri Huber and Melinda Guyol. I must say that even reading the title makes me stop and take a moment, and think about what is important in life. Sometimes it is the parents that need the quiet time. Perhaps it is a long break, or just time to take a breath... more

One of the women in my playgroup today asked if I’ve ever heard of “Love and Logic.” I have to say that it was one of the many parenting classes that I took that actually helped me a lot. The book, Parenting with Love and Logic, teaching children responsibilities, by Jim Fay and Foster Cline, is only one of many books that are offered on this parenting style. I’ve read a few of them, and they are all great. The premise is that all actions have a consequence, and that as a parent, you don’t react to thechild's... more