What to Expect When You're Adopting...: A practical guide to the decisions and emotions involved in adoption

by Ian Palmer

Psychiatrist Ian Palmer leads parents through the stages and emotional aspects of the adoption process, offering realistic yet sensitive advice, and also addresses the issues of single-parent adopting, infertility and the option of remaining childless.

Genres: Adoption, Nonfiction, Parenting

272 pages, Paperback

First published April 2, 2009

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book could have been titled "Adoption for Dummies". It is very repetitive (e.g., be honest, talk to your social worker). But it is ok. At least it gets its messages through.

It is very UK-based, but I guess the adoption process is similar in other countries.

I am a bit overwhelmed about the whole process... I have a new respect for adoptive parents.

[Sonya Mc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful for people early in the process

For me personally, this book didn't really give me much information that I didn't already know. It is quite informative and fact driven for those that don't already know much about the world of adoption, but for me it is less so, being halfway through the process of adoption.
Some of the information about the process is outdated, particularly the earlier stages but most of it is relevant still. The information was up to date in 2009, and relatively little has changed in the meantime.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great for potential adopters. It was full of great information and helped a lot with some of the answers we were looking for.

I loved how it broke everything down. I thought it was great for adopters, but I also thought it would be a good read for adopters families to read so they could see and understand all that's involved with adoption.

[Alicia Fenney · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good overview of the British system of adoption of children around the age of four. Since I didn't realize that from the cover or Goodreads description, I did a lot of skimming. What I did read was beginner stuff, and a lot of common sense that others might appreciate more than I did.

[Laura]

A pragmatic, comprehensive, and down to earth account of what's involved in adopting a child in today's world. The author's lived experience gives the content a refreshing realistic perspective. A must for adoptive parents.

[RJC · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is written with a realistic viewpoint of adoption, useful to prepare prospective adoptive parents.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful, readable, recommended to friends and family

[Joti Stratton · Rating 5 out of 5]

So informative and helpful!! A good beginners handbook!

[Chia Chin · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are no perfect parents but 'good enough'.