Dear Tami(& All)- My Top 10 (while preparing to adopt internationally)

Nurturing Your Child's Spirit-
Most Christians believe that the Montessori Approach to anything is a little too
"New Age-y" for them.
I used to think the same thing. This book is old, but Amazon carries it used for about $3.
This is my favorite .



The Primal Wound-
This is the book that they Angry Adoptees use to "further the cause".
I read it to see what all the Hub-Bub was about.
It is interesting and to be honest..some of the info does
make sense- if you think about it.
I personally think every adoptive parent should be required to read it.
When people say that "Adoption should be outlawed" and start spewing
quotes from this book...I like that I am prepared.



Parenting For A Healthy Future-
For me it is a reminder of the things that you take for granted
after you have parented for a while.





EVERY DAY BLESSINGS The Inner Work of a Mindful Parent-
Written by 2 Peace Loving , Yoga Practicing, Hippies.
This book is full of essays written by the husband and wife team
while raising their young children.
I just love the calmness of it all and the way that they take time to notice and
enjoy the tiniest parts of raising children.
That is something I often forget to do.





The Natural Child Parenting From the Heart-
LOVE IT!
This is a wonderful book on attachment parenting.
Short and to the point.



Nurturing Adoptions Creating ~Resilience after Neglect and Trauma-
Need I say more?



Children Learn What They Live Parenting to Inspire Values-
Again -I consider it a "refresher course".



Adoption Nation-
The Whole Adoption World was talking about it- so I got it.
Very interesting read.




Becoming a Family Promoting Healthy Attachments With Your Adopted Child-
Would have LOVED to have had this book before adopting Mary Elizabeth.
I think it would have eased some of the "bonding" anxiety I was feeling.




The Whole Life Adoption Book Realistic Advice For Building a Healthy
Adoptive Family-
So far - this is my favorite Adoption"how-to" book.

Just a few things.

I am a Christian . Having said that-I think the most important Book anyone can read on parenting -Adoptive or Biological -is the Bible.

I believe that God is SERIOUS about the way we raise our children & that God is for Adoption- just ask Mary & Joseph.

Knowing that makes it all a little easier.

Read as much as you can about the Chinese culture & learn a little Mandarin.

Stacy and I studied the culture, asked friends about customs and things that were important

like social graces and things to buy for gifts.

It is not hard to learn to say"Hello", "Good bye","See you tomorrow", and "Thank You" in Chinese.

I even learned to say "Thank you for Caring for our Baby Girl" so that I could thank her Ayi.

She smiled from ear to ear and hugged my neck.

That was just really cool.

All of the reading and practicing was time well spent.

You will be amazed at what you will gain by showing grace and respect for their culture.

The Chinese know when you are sincere and I promise you it will make a world of difference.

I hope this helped.

I probably have about 100 books on international adoption and/or parenting in this house.....

Maybe more..who knows...but these are the ones that have the most wear and tear.

I hope you find something you like.

We are excited for you and your family.

Can't wait to see your little girl.

PEACE.