Insightful, honest, and validating are three words used to describe the new book out by Mike Berry, author of the popular blog Confessions of an Adoptive Parent.
Confessions of an Adoptive Parent: Hope and Help from the Trenches of Foster Care and Adoption takes readers straight into the journey of foster parenting and adoption as he shares deeply personal experiences and convictions regarding what it is to parent children who come from a place of trauma.
With each word, I found myself shaking my head in agreement while whispering “yes” under my breath. This book confirms each and every thought that has entered my mind as a parent of children with extra needs. The book also provides moments of reflection for any parent who has struggled with the unique challenges that foster parenting and adoption brings.
From the introduction through the final chapter, I found myself feeling as though I was not just reading a book written by someone else, but one that was written specifically for me and for the journey that my family has been on. Foster and adoptive parents will find connection, not only in what their shared experiences are, but also a connection and rekindling to the mission that is foster care and adoption.
Written from a Christian perspective, this book speaks to the heart with hope and faith. It offers readers a renewed perspective on the belief that our children’s stories are not fully written yet, and while there are struggles, our children’s futures are not predetermined by the trauma they have survived. As an adoptive parent, the author’s words brought out many emotions and affirmed the truth that we are called to love and lead our children.
Another aspect of this book is the recognition of the importance of forming a supportive community of people who will wrap themselves around foster and adoptive families. The author shares personal stories of how his own supportive group helped to ground their family and get them through some rough times. In finding people who “get it,” adoptive families do not feel alone in their struggles.
Overall, this book gives voice for foster and adoptive families. The author eloquently put into words what families may feel while in the trenches: exhaustion to elation. It is informative about the true challenging nature of foster parenting and adoption, yet is written in a way that is incredibly inspirational.
The notion that “you are not alone” is a central theme. The very premise and nature of the book is to encourage the reader in this thought. Whether you are just considering foster parenting and adoption or if you are a seasoned parent, I highly recommend this book.
You can find “Confessions of an Adoptive Parent: Hope and Help from the Trenches of Foster Care and Adoption” at major book retailers, including Amazon.
