The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind

This book, written by Dr.Daniel Siegel and Dr.Tina Payne Bryson should be a required reading for all prospective adoptive parents.  It has great insight as to how the brain works and how loss and trauma affect the brain.    Many people think that when they adopt a child, that child is going to be forever grateful to them for 'saving' them.  But the truth is, many of these children come with broken hearts and brains that are not wired correctly because they did not receive the attachment they needed as a baby.  Attachment has a BIOLOGICAL affect on the brain.  Love and response from your parents actually stimulates the brain's development.   And many kids who have been adopted are reeling from the affects of not having proper love and care as an infant.  So these kids act out in ways that can be very disruptive to family life.  But there is hope!  Their brains can heal, but they need some help.  So it is so important to educate yourself on therapeutic parenting and if need be, find a good therapist that specializes in Reactive Attachment disorder.  

     This books is available in paperback and is also available in audio format.