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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Parenting Your Internationally Adopted Child summary
Patty Cogen
Brief summary
Parenting Your Internationally Adopted Child by Patty Cogen provides practical advice and strategies for parents navigating the unique challenges of raising a child from a different cultural background. It offers insights into attachment, identity, and building a strong family bond.
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Table of Contents
Parenting Your Internationally Adopted Child
Summary of key ideas
Understanding the Unique Needs
In Parenting Your Internationally Adopted Child by Patty Cogen, we are introduced to the specific challenges and joys of adopting a child from another country. Cogen begins by emphasizing the importance of understanding the unique needs of internationally adopted children. She explains that these children often come from a background of deprivation, neglect, or abuse, and have experienced significant loss and trauma.
As a result, internationally adopted children may struggle with attachment, trust, and self-regulation. Cogen encourages parents to approach these children with empathy and understanding, acknowledging the impact of their early experiences on their emotional and behavioral development.
Preparing for the Adoption Journey
The book then guides prospective adoptive parents through the process of preparing for their international adoption journey. Cogen offers practical advice on choosing the right adoption agency, navigating the paperwork and legal requirements, and preparing emotionally for the arrival of the new family member. She also highlights the importance of learning about the child's birth culture and language, as well as preparing the home environment to meet the child's unique needs.
Moreover, Cogen stresses the significance of building a support network of professionals and other adoptive parents to help navigate the challenges that may arise during and after the adoption process.
Understanding the Child's Experience
Once the child arrives, Cogen advises parents to be patient and understanding as the child adjusts to their new environment. She explains that internationally adopted children may exhibit behaviors such as hoarding food, exhibiting aggression, or withdrawing, as coping mechanisms developed in their previous environment. Cogen encourages parents to view these behaviors as survival strategies rather than personal attacks, and to respond with empathy and support.
Throughout the book, Cogen emphasizes the importance of understanding the child's unique experience and responding to their needs with sensitivity and flexibility.
Building Attachment and Trust
Building a strong attachment between parent and child is a central theme in Parenting Your Internationally Adopted Child. Cogen explains that due to their early experiences, many adopted children may struggle with forming secure attachments. She offers practical strategies for promoting attachment, such as maintaining consistent routines, using nurturing touch, and responding to the child's needs promptly and predictably.
Additionally, Cogen encourages parents to be open and honest about the child's adoption story, helping them understand and make peace with their past. She also emphasizes the importance of maintaining connections with the child's birth culture and heritage, as well as supporting their curiosity and questions about their origins.
Navigating Challenges and Celebrating Milestones
In the later chapters, Cogen addresses specific challenges that may arise as internationally adopted children grow and develop. These challenges may include identity issues, school difficulties, and behavioral problems. Cogen provides guidance on how to handle these challenges with empathy and understanding, emphasizing the importance of seeking professional help when needed.
Finally, Cogen offers advice on celebrating the unique milestones and achievements of internationally adopted children, such as their 'gotcha' day (the day they were adopted) and their successful integration into their new family and community.
In Conclusion
In Parenting Your Internationally Adopted Child, Patty Cogen offers a comprehensive and compassionate guide for parents navigating the unique joys and challenges of international adoption. By emphasizing the importance of understanding the child's unique needs, building strong attachments, and providing a nurturing and supportive environment, Cogen provides valuable insights and practical strategies for helping internationally adopted children thrive in their new homes.
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What is Parenting Your Internationally Adopted Child about?
Parenting Your Internationally Adopted Child by Patty Cogen is a comprehensive guide for parents who have adopted a child from another country. The book provides practical advice on bonding with your child, understanding their unique cultural background, and addressing potential challenges that may arise. It also offers insights into the emotional and psychological aspects of international adoption, helping parents navigate the complexities of raising a child from a different cultural heritage.
Parenting Your Internationally Adopted Child Review
Parenting Your Internationally Adopted Child (2008) is a valuable resource for parents navigating the unique challenges of raising a child from a different cultural background. Here's why this book stands out:
- Offering insightful strategies and practical tips, it helps parents build a strong and supportive foundation for their internationally adopted child's upbringing.
- With a focus on understanding cultural nuances and fostering a sense of identity, the book empowers parents to navigate complex issues with sensitivity and awareness.
- The book's compassionate approach and dedication to promoting healthy parent-child relationships ensure that readers find it engaging, relevant, and far from ordinary.
Who should read Parenting Your Internationally Adopted Child?
Prospective adoptive parents considering international adoption
Current adoptive parents seeking guidance on parenting challenges unique to international adoption
Professionals working with internationally adopted children and their families
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Parenting Your Internationally Adopted Child FAQs
What is the main message of Parenting Your Internationally Adopted Child?
The main message of Parenting Your Internationally Adopted Child is to provide guidance and support for parents navigating the unique challenges of international adoption.
How long does it take to read Parenting Your Internationally Adopted Child?
The estimated reading time for Parenting Your Internationally Adopted Child is several hours, while the Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.
Is Parenting Your Internationally Adopted Child a good book? Is it worth reading?
Parenting Your Internationally Adopted Child offers invaluable insights and practical advice for parents in international adoption journeys, making it a must-read for those navigating similar paths.
Who is the author of Parenting Your Internationally Adopted Child?
The author of Parenting Your Internationally Adopted Child is Patty Cogen.
What to read after Parenting Your Internationally Adopted Child?
If you're wondering what to read next after Parenting Your Internationally Adopted Child, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- How Children Succeed by Paul Tough
- Becoming Attached by Robert Karen
- All Joy and No Fun by Jennifer Senior
- The Opposite of Spoiled by Ron Lieber
- Minimalist Parenting by Christine Koh and Asha Dornfest
- Moms Mean Business by Erin Baebler and Lara Galloway
- Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua
- Screamfree Parenting by Hal Edward Runkel
- Getting to 50/50 by Sharon Meers and Joanna Strober
- The Drama of the Gifted Child by Alice Miller