Parenting Books

“An extremely useful parenting handbook… truly outstanding … strongly recommended.”   –Library Journal (starred review)“

“A tremendous resource for parents and professionals alike.” –Thomas Atwood, president and CEO, National Council for Adoption

“The Connected Child provides the parents of adopted at risk children easy to follow practical advice on how to handle behavior problems in a calm, gentle, effective manner.” –Temple Grandin, Author, The Way I See It, The Autistic Brain

The adoption of a child is always a joyous moment in the life of a family. Some adoptions, though, present unique challenges. Welcoming these children into your family–and addressing their special needs–requires care, consideration, and compassion. Written by internationally respected research psychologists specializing in adoption and attachment, The Connected Child will help you:

• Build bonds of affection and trust with your adopted child
• Effectively deal with any learning or behavioral disorders
• Discipline your child with love without making him or her feel threatened

“A must-read not only for adoptive parents, but for all families striving to correct and connect with their children.”
–Carol S. Kranowitz, author of The Out-of-Sync Child

“Drs. Purvis and Cross have thrown a life preserver not only to those just entering uncharted waters, but also to those struggling to stay afloat.”
–Kathleen E. Morris, editor of S. I. Focus magazine

“Truly an exceptional, innovative work . . . compassionate, accessible, and founded on a breadth of scientific knowledge and clinical expertise.”
–Susan Livingston Smith, program director, Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute

“The Connected Child is the literary equivalent of an airline oxygen mask and instructions:  place the mask over your own face first, then over the nose of your child. This book first assists the parent, saying, in effect,  ‘Calm down, you’re not the first mom or dad in the world to face this hurdle, breathe deeply, then follow these simple steps.’  The sense of not facing these issues alone–the relief that your child’s behavior is not off the charts–is hugely comforting. Other children have behaved this way; other parents have responded thusly; welcome to the community of therapeutic and joyful adoptive families.” 
–Melissa Fay Greene, author of There is No Me Without You: One Woman’s Odyssey to Rescue Africa’s Children

“While the tips and tools offered in Raising the Challenging Child are based on the latest brain research and evidence-based practices, the authors translate the theory with real-life examples. Parents will love the practical and proven ‘If you’ve tried this . . . do/say this instead’ suggestions.”–Amy McCready, founder of Positive Parenting Solutions and author of The “Me, Me, Me” Epidemic: A Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Capable, Grateful Kids in an Over-Entitled World

“Raising the Challenging Child provides parents, caregivers, child advocates, and even pediatricians like myself with practical strategies to help empower children and foster healthy family dynamics.”–Sameer Vohra, MD, JD, MA, FAAP, chair of the Department of Population Science and Policy, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine

“In my many years of clinical practice, I was always hesitant to recommend a parenting guide. Raising the Challenging Child would have been a striking exception. Oh, how I wish it had been available to me–and to the families with whom I worked.”– Michael Trout, author of This Hallowed Ground: Four Decades in Infant Mental Health

“This book will be welcomed by all parents who struggle to connect with, support, and guide their children through the challenging moments and who hope to create a warm and understanding relationship with their children.”–Phyllis Booth, MA, LMFT, LCPC, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor