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Adoption Conversations
how, when and what to tell children

by Renée Wolfs
ISBN 9781905664351, £12.95

When shall I begin to discuss the adoption? Should I tell my child her mother was a drug addict? What do I do if my child is angry and says that we are not his real parents? How do I handle hurtful comments made by my child's friends or other adults? How do I find out what my child is really going through inside? What exactly should we tell to children about their adoption story? And at what age?

This in-depth practical guide explores the questions adopted children are likely to ask, with suggestions for helpful explanations and answers. Looking at different age groups in turn, the author provides a wealth of suggestions for possible dialogue with adopted children.

Although the guide focuses primarily on children adopted from abroad, the practical advice offered can be helpful with any adopted child. Adoption Conversations considers:

• how and when to tell your child their adoption story;
• common fears children have about adoption;
• advice on sharing particularly difficult information with your child;
• useful conversation techniques;
• how to help your child deal with grief and anger;
• how to respond to questions from your child, family, friends, and othersin your community.

Written by an adoptive parent for adoptive parents, and brimming with practical advice, this book will help you discuss the known –or unknown-aspects of your adopted child’s past and be well equipped to communicate difficult issues.

Adoption Conversations was first published in the Netherlands in 2004, titled World Child, talking to your adopted child. Since 2004 World Child has had already five editions. In the Netherlands and in Belgium it has become a standard work for adoptive parents with young children. In January 2008, the Dutch sequel was published, titled The Adoption Dialogue, conversation techniques for adoptive parents with teenagers. Both books have been received very well by the press.

Renée Wolfs is a mother of three children adopted from China. She received her Master's degree in Communication in 1987 and works as a freelance journalist, editor and author. Since Adoption Converstations was first published in the Netherlands, she has written several articles and columns in Dutch adoption magazines.

The Dutch press on Adoption Conversations:

“This is definitely a book to keep on hand so you can immediately read the chapters that apply to your child at any particular moment. This is made quite simple, too, as everything has been organized according to age group. … Adoption Conversations will certainly earn its spurs among the existing books on adoption and will help adoptive parents through difficult times, which in turn can only be good for the children.” – from the magazine World Children(magazine for adoptive parents)

“This book is brimming with practical advice. The title “Adoption Conversations” says it all: the reader is presented with complete, ready-made discussions and all kinds of scenarios.” – from Mobiel (magazine for foster parents)

“Through her own experiences and through contacts with other adoptive parents, Renée Wolfs knows exactly which issues adoptive parents face while their children are growing up. Her approach to these issues is so practical, so exciting that I had to suppress the urge to start talking immediately with my own (adopted) children about some of the discussion points.” – from the Adoption Magazine (magazine for all people involved in adoption)