The Secrets of Successful Adoptive Parenting: Practical Advice and Strategies to Help with Emotional and Behavioural Challenges

Sophie Ashton is a mother of two wonderful children, a birth son and an adopted daughter. Professionally she has spent 25 years working as a management consultant and an executive coach. She works with individuals and teams, helping people better understand themselves and each other and the impact they can and do unknowingly have on each other. Over the years she has also worked as a volunteer with disadvantaged children through schools and through the criminal justice system. Sophie lives in the South of England.

With an authenticity that comes from first-hand experience, Sophie Ashton describes how the common challenges of adoptive parenting can be overcome. Rich with information and advice, the book describes how to implement a therapeutic parenting approach, as well as how to manage your own emotions along the way.

Introduction. Part 1: Prepare for the Emotional Journey. 1. Anticipate the Emotional Journey. 2. Anticipate What May Cause You Frustration. Part 2: Parent with Empathy. 3. Understand Your Child. 4. Facilitate Your Child's Memories and Emotions. 5. Support Your Child Through Their Grieving Process. Part 3: Pay Back the Nurture Debt. 6. Nurture With Compassion. 7. Nurture Through the Senses for Brain Development. 8. Build Your Child's Self-Esteem and Facilitate Their Attachment. Part 4: Communicate Thoughtfully. 9. Help Your Child Feel Listened To. 10. Communicate With the Outcome in Mind. Part 5: Enable Your Child's Development. 11. Provide Structure and Consistency. 12. Close the Development Gap. Part 6: Prepare Carefully For Your New Arrival. 13. Involve Family and Friends. 14. Take Control of the Introductions and the Transition. 15. Carefully Integrate your Child Into Your Life. Conclusion.