Author: Trystan Reese
Publisher: The Experiment, LLC
ISBN: 1615197575
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 203
Book Description
As featured in People magazine: One LGBTQ family’s inspiring, heartfelt story of the many alternative paths that lead to a loving family, with lessons for every parent Trystan and Biff had been dating for just a year when the couple learned that Biff’s niece and nephew were about to be removed from their home by Child Protective Services. Immediately, Trystan and Biff took in one-year-old Hailey and three-year-old Lucas, becoming caregivers overnight to two tiny survivors of abuse and neglect. From this unexpected start, the young couple built a loving marriage and happy home—learning to parent on the job. They adopted Hailey and Lucas, tied the knot, and soon decided to try for a baby that Trystan, who is transgender, would carry. Trystan’s groundbreaking pregnancy attracted media fanfare, and the family welcomed baby Leo in 2017. In this inspiring memoir, Trystan shares his unique story alongside universal lessons that will help all parents through the trials of raising children. How We Do Family is a refreshing new take on family life for the LGBTQ community and beyond. Through every tough moment and touching memory, Trystan shows that more important than getting things right is doing them with love.
How We Do Family: From Adoption to Trans Pregnancy, What We Learned about Love and LGBTQ Parenthood
Author: Trystan Reese
Publisher: The Experiment, LLC
ISBN: 1615197575
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 203
Book Description
As featured in People magazine: One LGBTQ family’s inspiring, heartfelt story of the many alternative paths that lead to a loving family, with lessons for every parent Trystan and Biff had been dating for just a year when the couple learned that Biff’s niece and nephew were about to be removed from their home by Child Protective Services. Immediately, Trystan and Biff took in one-year-old Hailey and three-year-old Lucas, becoming caregivers overnight to two tiny survivors of abuse and neglect. From this unexpected start, the young couple built a loving marriage and happy home—learning to parent on the job. They adopted Hailey and Lucas, tied the knot, and soon decided to try for a baby that Trystan, who is transgender, would carry. Trystan’s groundbreaking pregnancy attracted media fanfare, and the family welcomed baby Leo in 2017. In this inspiring memoir, Trystan shares his unique story alongside universal lessons that will help all parents through the trials of raising children. How We Do Family is a refreshing new take on family life for the LGBTQ community and beyond. Through every tough moment and touching memory, Trystan shows that more important than getting things right is doing them with love.
Publisher: The Experiment, LLC
ISBN: 1615197575
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 203
Book Description
As featured in People magazine: One LGBTQ family’s inspiring, heartfelt story of the many alternative paths that lead to a loving family, with lessons for every parent Trystan and Biff had been dating for just a year when the couple learned that Biff’s niece and nephew were about to be removed from their home by Child Protective Services. Immediately, Trystan and Biff took in one-year-old Hailey and three-year-old Lucas, becoming caregivers overnight to two tiny survivors of abuse and neglect. From this unexpected start, the young couple built a loving marriage and happy home—learning to parent on the job. They adopted Hailey and Lucas, tied the knot, and soon decided to try for a baby that Trystan, who is transgender, would carry. Trystan’s groundbreaking pregnancy attracted media fanfare, and the family welcomed baby Leo in 2017. In this inspiring memoir, Trystan shares his unique story alongside universal lessons that will help all parents through the trials of raising children. How We Do Family is a refreshing new take on family life for the LGBTQ community and beyond. Through every tough moment and touching memory, Trystan shows that more important than getting things right is doing them with love.
The Adoption Journey: Navigating the Road to Parenthood
Author: Aurora Brooks
Publisher: BabyDreamers.net
ISBN: 1776981510
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 34
Book Description
The Adoption Journey: Navigating the Road to Parenthood is a comprehensive guide that will help you navigate the complex and emotional process of adoption. Whether you are just beginning to consider adoption or are already in the midst of the process, this book will provide you with the information and support you need to make informed decisions and ensure a successful adoption journey. Understanding Adoption: In this section, you will gain a deep understanding of the adoption process, including the different types of adoption and the legal and emotional considerations involved. Deciding to Adopt: Making the decision to adopt is a big step. This chapter will help you explore your motivations and expectations, and provide guidance on how to make the right choice for your family. Evaluating Readiness: Before embarking on the adoption journey, it is important to evaluate your readiness as a prospective adoptive parent. This section will help you assess your emotional, financial, and logistical readiness. Exploring Different Adoption Agencies: Choosing the right adoption agency is crucial to a successful adoption. This chapter will guide you through the process of researching and selecting the agency that best fits your needs and values. Understanding Legal Requirements: Adoption involves a complex legal process. This section will provide you with a clear understanding of the legal requirements and procedures involved in adoption. Preparing for Adoption: This chapter will help you prepare emotionally and practically for the adoption process. From addressing your own emotional considerations to building a support network, you will find valuable advice and resources. The Home Study Process: The home study is a critical step in the adoption process. This section will guide you through the documentation and preparation required for a successful home study. Matching and Placement: Once you have completed the home study, the matching and placement process begins. This chapter will provide you with insights on creating an adoption profile and understanding open adoption. Post-Adoption Support: Adoption is a lifelong journey, and post-adoption support is crucial. This section will provide you with resources and guidance on accessing counseling, support groups, and adoption-specific resources. Frequently Asked Questions: This chapter addresses common questions and concerns that prospective adoptive parents may have, providing answers and reassurance. Have Questions / Comments? At the end of the book, you will find a section where you can submit any questions or comments you may have, and receive personalized support and guidance. Don't miss out on this valuable resource! As a bonus, when you purchase The Adoption Journey: Navigating the Road to Parenthood, you will also receive a free copy This title is a short read. A Short Read is a type of book that is designed to be read in one quick sitting. These no fluff books are perfect for people who want an overview about a subject in a short period of time. Table of Contents The Adoption Journey: Navigating the Road to Parenthood Understanding Adoption Deciding to Adopt Evaluating Readiness Exploring Different Adoption Agencies Understanding Legal Requirements Preparing for Adoption Addressing Emotional Considerations Building a Support Network Educating Yourself about Adoption The Home Study Process Gathering Documentation Preparing Your Home Meeting with a Social Worker Matching and Placement Creating an Adoption Profile Understanding Open Adoption Preparing for Placement Post-Adoption Support Accessing Counseling and Therapy Connecting with Support Groups Utilizing Adoption-Specific Resources Frequently Asked Questions Have Questions / Comments?
Publisher: BabyDreamers.net
ISBN: 1776981510
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 34
Book Description
The Adoption Journey: Navigating the Road to Parenthood is a comprehensive guide that will help you navigate the complex and emotional process of adoption. Whether you are just beginning to consider adoption or are already in the midst of the process, this book will provide you with the information and support you need to make informed decisions and ensure a successful adoption journey. Understanding Adoption: In this section, you will gain a deep understanding of the adoption process, including the different types of adoption and the legal and emotional considerations involved. Deciding to Adopt: Making the decision to adopt is a big step. This chapter will help you explore your motivations and expectations, and provide guidance on how to make the right choice for your family. Evaluating Readiness: Before embarking on the adoption journey, it is important to evaluate your readiness as a prospective adoptive parent. This section will help you assess your emotional, financial, and logistical readiness. Exploring Different Adoption Agencies: Choosing the right adoption agency is crucial to a successful adoption. This chapter will guide you through the process of researching and selecting the agency that best fits your needs and values. Understanding Legal Requirements: Adoption involves a complex legal process. This section will provide you with a clear understanding of the legal requirements and procedures involved in adoption. Preparing for Adoption: This chapter will help you prepare emotionally and practically for the adoption process. From addressing your own emotional considerations to building a support network, you will find valuable advice and resources. The Home Study Process: The home study is a critical step in the adoption process. This section will guide you through the documentation and preparation required for a successful home study. Matching and Placement: Once you have completed the home study, the matching and placement process begins. This chapter will provide you with insights on creating an adoption profile and understanding open adoption. Post-Adoption Support: Adoption is a lifelong journey, and post-adoption support is crucial. This section will provide you with resources and guidance on accessing counseling, support groups, and adoption-specific resources. Frequently Asked Questions: This chapter addresses common questions and concerns that prospective adoptive parents may have, providing answers and reassurance. Have Questions / Comments? At the end of the book, you will find a section where you can submit any questions or comments you may have, and receive personalized support and guidance. Don't miss out on this valuable resource! As a bonus, when you purchase The Adoption Journey: Navigating the Road to Parenthood, you will also receive a free copy This title is a short read. A Short Read is a type of book that is designed to be read in one quick sitting. These no fluff books are perfect for people who want an overview about a subject in a short period of time. Table of Contents The Adoption Journey: Navigating the Road to Parenthood Understanding Adoption Deciding to Adopt Evaluating Readiness Exploring Different Adoption Agencies Understanding Legal Requirements Preparing for Adoption Addressing Emotional Considerations Building a Support Network Educating Yourself about Adoption The Home Study Process Gathering Documentation Preparing Your Home Meeting with a Social Worker Matching and Placement Creating an Adoption Profile Understanding Open Adoption Preparing for Placement Post-Adoption Support Accessing Counseling and Therapy Connecting with Support Groups Utilizing Adoption-Specific Resources Frequently Asked Questions Have Questions / Comments?
The Ultimate Guide for Gay Dads
Author: Eric Rosswood
Publisher: Mango Media Inc.
ISBN: 163353491X
Category : Young Adult Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 185
Book Description
If you are thinking of becoming a gay dad ─ or if you are already a gay dad ─ this book is for you! Are you ready to have kids? More and more gay men are turning to adoption and surrogacy to start their own families. An estimated two million American LBGTQ people would like to adopt and an estimated 65,000 adopted children are living with a gay parent. In 2016, The Chicago Tribune reported that 10 to 20 percent of donor eggs went to gay men expanding their families via surrogacy, and in many places the numbers were up 50 percent from the previous five years. Gay parenting: Having a kid is like coming out all over again, on a daily basis, especial if you have an infant. Was coming out stressful for you? It’s about to get more intense and you will have a child watching your every move and listening to your every word. If you stutter or pause, they may pick up on your discomfort and could start to feel like something is wrong about their family unit. The Ultimate Guide For Gay Dads is jam packed with parenting tips and advice to help you build confidence and become the awesome gay dad you were meant to be! How Is This Parenting Guide Different From Others? Unlike other parenting books that have whole chapters focusing on things specifically related to mothers (such as how to get the perfect latch when breastfeeding), this parenting book replaces those sections with things relevant to gay dads. It covers topics like how to find LGBT friendly pediatricians, how to find LGBT friendly schools, how to childproof your home with style, how to answer awkward and prying questions about your family from strangers, examples for what two-dad families can do on Mother’s Day, and much more. The book also includes parenting tips and advice from pediatricians, school educators, lawyers, and other same-sex parents. Top LGBT parenting expert: Bestselling author Eric Rosswood covers every aspect of fatherhood for gay men in this essential guide to growing your family in the post-DOMA era. He is a major influencer on social media with over 100,000 followers on Twitter alone, as well as thousands on other platforms. Exploring LGBTQ issues: Rosswood is an in-demand authority and commentator on LGBTQ issues, including civil rights, parenting, marriage and politics. The author has been featured in major media including The Washington Post, Cosmopolitan, CBS News, The Huffington Post, Elite Daily, Yahoo! News, AOL News, NY Daily News, IB Times, and regional LGBTQ press.
Publisher: Mango Media Inc.
ISBN: 163353491X
Category : Young Adult Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 185
Book Description
If you are thinking of becoming a gay dad ─ or if you are already a gay dad ─ this book is for you! Are you ready to have kids? More and more gay men are turning to adoption and surrogacy to start their own families. An estimated two million American LBGTQ people would like to adopt and an estimated 65,000 adopted children are living with a gay parent. In 2016, The Chicago Tribune reported that 10 to 20 percent of donor eggs went to gay men expanding their families via surrogacy, and in many places the numbers were up 50 percent from the previous five years. Gay parenting: Having a kid is like coming out all over again, on a daily basis, especial if you have an infant. Was coming out stressful for you? It’s about to get more intense and you will have a child watching your every move and listening to your every word. If you stutter or pause, they may pick up on your discomfort and could start to feel like something is wrong about their family unit. The Ultimate Guide For Gay Dads is jam packed with parenting tips and advice to help you build confidence and become the awesome gay dad you were meant to be! How Is This Parenting Guide Different From Others? Unlike other parenting books that have whole chapters focusing on things specifically related to mothers (such as how to get the perfect latch when breastfeeding), this parenting book replaces those sections with things relevant to gay dads. It covers topics like how to find LGBT friendly pediatricians, how to find LGBT friendly schools, how to childproof your home with style, how to answer awkward and prying questions about your family from strangers, examples for what two-dad families can do on Mother’s Day, and much more. The book also includes parenting tips and advice from pediatricians, school educators, lawyers, and other same-sex parents. Top LGBT parenting expert: Bestselling author Eric Rosswood covers every aspect of fatherhood for gay men in this essential guide to growing your family in the post-DOMA era. He is a major influencer on social media with over 100,000 followers on Twitter alone, as well as thousands on other platforms. Exploring LGBTQ issues: Rosswood is an in-demand authority and commentator on LGBTQ issues, including civil rights, parenting, marriage and politics. The author has been featured in major media including The Washington Post, Cosmopolitan, CBS News, The Huffington Post, Elite Daily, Yahoo! News, AOL News, NY Daily News, IB Times, and regional LGBTQ press.
On Becoming Baby Wise
Author: Gary Ezzo
Publisher: Parent-Wise Solutions, Incorporated
ISBN: 9780971453210
Category : Child care
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
It's reality-check time! You are at least five months into your tour of parenting duty by now. The complexity of child-training has begun to come into focus. You have learned that as your baby matures both constant and variable factors continually influence his or her development. What behaviors can and should you expect from your pretoddler? Feeding time for your pretoddler, for example, is now more than a response controlled by a sucking reflex. For the pretoddler, mealtime is part of a very complex, conscious interaction between what the child does and what his parents expect him to do. Right and wrong conduct will be encouraged, discouraged, and guided when necessary. In fact, right and wrong patterns of behavior will now be part of your baby's entire day. That's why feeding time, waketime and sleeptime provide wonderful opportunities for training and Babywise Book II will guide you all the way, from the high chair to playpen, from the living room to the back yard. This series teaches the practical side of introducing solids food, managing mealtimes, nap transitions, traveling with your infant, setting reasonable limits while encourage healthy exploration and much more. You will learn how to teach your child to use sign language for basic needs, a tool proven to help stimulate cognitive growth and advance communication. Apply the principles and your friends and relatives will be amazed at the alertness, contentedness and happy disposition of your baby
Publisher: Parent-Wise Solutions, Incorporated
ISBN: 9780971453210
Category : Child care
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
It's reality-check time! You are at least five months into your tour of parenting duty by now. The complexity of child-training has begun to come into focus. You have learned that as your baby matures both constant and variable factors continually influence his or her development. What behaviors can and should you expect from your pretoddler? Feeding time for your pretoddler, for example, is now more than a response controlled by a sucking reflex. For the pretoddler, mealtime is part of a very complex, conscious interaction between what the child does and what his parents expect him to do. Right and wrong conduct will be encouraged, discouraged, and guided when necessary. In fact, right and wrong patterns of behavior will now be part of your baby's entire day. That's why feeding time, waketime and sleeptime provide wonderful opportunities for training and Babywise Book II will guide you all the way, from the high chair to playpen, from the living room to the back yard. This series teaches the practical side of introducing solids food, managing mealtimes, nap transitions, traveling with your infant, setting reasonable limits while encourage healthy exploration and much more. You will learn how to teach your child to use sign language for basic needs, a tool proven to help stimulate cognitive growth and advance communication. Apply the principles and your friends and relatives will be amazed at the alertness, contentedness and happy disposition of your baby
Planning Parenthood
Author: Rebecca A. Clark
Publisher: JHU Press
ISBN: 0801891116
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 250
Book Description
Aims to guide prospective parents through the complicated mazes of assisted reproduction and adoption. This work describes fertility assistance, surrogacy, and adoption, clearly outlining the requirements of each strategy. It compares the medical, emotional, financial, and legal investments and risks involved with each of these options.
Publisher: JHU Press
ISBN: 0801891116
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 250
Book Description
Aims to guide prospective parents through the complicated mazes of assisted reproduction and adoption. This work describes fertility assistance, surrogacy, and adoption, clearly outlining the requirements of each strategy. It compares the medical, emotional, financial, and legal investments and risks involved with each of these options.
Journey to Same-Sex Parenthood
Author: Eric Rosswood
Publisher: New Horizon Press
ISBN: 9780882825144
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 240
Book Description
The LGBT Journey to Parenthood is unique in that it offers useful and practical information that will help in the very early stages of family planning. These inspirational first-hand accounts provide key insights and the critical information needed to make informed decisions for successfully traveling the complex road to parenthood. Author, activist and father, Eric Rosswood guides and helps prospective LGBT parents to weigh their options and learn which path would be best for their family. Rosswood also shares the experiences and wisdom of others who have already been through the journey. The LGBT Journey to Parenthood is divided into five sections: adoption, surrogacy, foster care, assisted reproduction and co-parenting. Each section includes an overview, a list of pros and challenges for readers to consider, personal stories from parents who have been through the process and closes with a list of questions for couples to ask themselves. Same-sex couples are faced with many different options when choosing to have children today. The LGBT Journey to Parenthood will serve as an informative and essential handbook for couples navigating their own amazing path to parenthood.
Publisher: New Horizon Press
ISBN: 9780882825144
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 240
Book Description
The LGBT Journey to Parenthood is unique in that it offers useful and practical information that will help in the very early stages of family planning. These inspirational first-hand accounts provide key insights and the critical information needed to make informed decisions for successfully traveling the complex road to parenthood. Author, activist and father, Eric Rosswood guides and helps prospective LGBT parents to weigh their options and learn which path would be best for their family. Rosswood also shares the experiences and wisdom of others who have already been through the journey. The LGBT Journey to Parenthood is divided into five sections: adoption, surrogacy, foster care, assisted reproduction and co-parenting. Each section includes an overview, a list of pros and challenges for readers to consider, personal stories from parents who have been through the process and closes with a list of questions for couples to ask themselves. Same-sex couples are faced with many different options when choosing to have children today. The LGBT Journey to Parenthood will serve as an informative and essential handbook for couples navigating their own amazing path to parenthood.
Our Adoption Journey
Author: Jayne Lilley
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781910039427
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 130
Book Description
This is the true story of Jayne, Dan, their son Charlie and their adoption of Jessie, a baby girl. Told by Jayne herself, this deeply personal memoir follows the joyful highs and heart-breaking lows of the journey that led them to their new adopted daughter.
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781910039427
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 130
Book Description
This is the true story of Jayne, Dan, their son Charlie and their adoption of Jessie, a baby girl. Told by Jayne herself, this deeply personal memoir follows the joyful highs and heart-breaking lows of the journey that led them to their new adopted daughter.
Securely Attached
Author: Kristin Berry
Publisher: Moody Publishers
ISBN: 0802498574
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 248
Book Description
Has Trauma Affected the Child You’re Caring For? Just as you prepared your home to welcome a new child, it is important to prepare your heart and mind—especially if the child has suffered from a background of trauma. Perhaps your invitation for love is met with hostility, and you find that this new member of your family rejects connection. If so, then it’s critical to acknowledge the effects of trauma on a child’s ability to attach. Mike and Kristin Berry realized this when they became adoptive and foster parents. In their twenty-year marriage, they have had the joy of adopting eight children and fostering twenty-three. They now offer guidance from their own journey to others parenting a child who has experienced past trauma. In Securely Attached, they offer practical insights that are supported by therapeutic and medical facts, so all parents can provide best for the children in their care. You’ll learn: How trauma changes the brain How to identify trauma-induced behaviors How to identify attachment disorders How to advocate for your child in the community. Get the help you need to better care for the children in your home. Discover how you can create a family and home that is safe and supportive so your children can grow to trust and become securely attached.
Publisher: Moody Publishers
ISBN: 0802498574
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 248
Book Description
Has Trauma Affected the Child You’re Caring For? Just as you prepared your home to welcome a new child, it is important to prepare your heart and mind—especially if the child has suffered from a background of trauma. Perhaps your invitation for love is met with hostility, and you find that this new member of your family rejects connection. If so, then it’s critical to acknowledge the effects of trauma on a child’s ability to attach. Mike and Kristin Berry realized this when they became adoptive and foster parents. In their twenty-year marriage, they have had the joy of adopting eight children and fostering twenty-three. They now offer guidance from their own journey to others parenting a child who has experienced past trauma. In Securely Attached, they offer practical insights that are supported by therapeutic and medical facts, so all parents can provide best for the children in their care. You’ll learn: How trauma changes the brain How to identify trauma-induced behaviors How to identify attachment disorders How to advocate for your child in the community. Get the help you need to better care for the children in your home. Discover how you can create a family and home that is safe and supportive so your children can grow to trust and become securely attached.
Parent on Purpose
Author: Amy Carney
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781946533340
Category : Child rearing
Languages : en
Pages : 119
Book Description
"Amy Carney talks straight about the problems parents face when it comes to raising a child in today's complicated world and then shares practical advice, solutions and strategies on how to better connect family values with your behaviors, attitudes, and decisions while simultaneously preparing your son or daughter for adulthood. In this book, you'll learn how to better: LEAD: Embrace your parental authority. LOVE: Cultivate a strong and connected family culture. LAUNCH: Prepare your child for adulthood"--Amazon.com.
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781946533340
Category : Child rearing
Languages : en
Pages : 119
Book Description
"Amy Carney talks straight about the problems parents face when it comes to raising a child in today's complicated world and then shares practical advice, solutions and strategies on how to better connect family values with your behaviors, attitudes, and decisions while simultaneously preparing your son or daughter for adulthood. In this book, you'll learn how to better: LEAD: Embrace your parental authority. LOVE: Cultivate a strong and connected family culture. LAUNCH: Prepare your child for adulthood"--Amazon.com.
Labor of the Heart
Author: Kathleen Whitten
Publisher: M. Evans
ISBN: 1461663075
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 236
Book Description
Adoptive parents often experience the double trial of emotional responses to infertility and to the process of adoption itself, called "excruciating labor with no end in sight," by one adoptive mother. Would-be adoptive parents cycle through grief, anger, fear, anxiety, frustration, and guilt-and back again. All of these emotions cloud decision-making, at exactly the time that adoptive parents are making life-altering, irrevocable decisions: whether to adopt at all, to adopt an older child or an infant, or to parent a child with developmental delays, as well as other pressing questions. New empirical research by Kathleen Whitten, Ph.D., a developmental psychologist and adoptive mother, and other experts in the field contradicts many of the outdated myths presented to parents and written about in widely-used adoption guides. Whitten separates fact from fiction and leads parents by the hand through the many emotional impacts the process involves. Written in a reassuring, conversational tone, the author tells parents when they should listen to their heart-and when practical considerations are too important to ignore. Each chapter features workbook section with constructive exercises and stimulating questions. Adoptive parents do not need yet another book promising a "fast track" to a child or explaining how to collect documents. Instead, they need Labor of the Heart to help them through the difficult emotions and decisions about adoption.
Publisher: M. Evans
ISBN: 1461663075
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 236
Book Description
Adoptive parents often experience the double trial of emotional responses to infertility and to the process of adoption itself, called "excruciating labor with no end in sight," by one adoptive mother. Would-be adoptive parents cycle through grief, anger, fear, anxiety, frustration, and guilt-and back again. All of these emotions cloud decision-making, at exactly the time that adoptive parents are making life-altering, irrevocable decisions: whether to adopt at all, to adopt an older child or an infant, or to parent a child with developmental delays, as well as other pressing questions. New empirical research by Kathleen Whitten, Ph.D., a developmental psychologist and adoptive mother, and other experts in the field contradicts many of the outdated myths presented to parents and written about in widely-used adoption guides. Whitten separates fact from fiction and leads parents by the hand through the many emotional impacts the process involves. Written in a reassuring, conversational tone, the author tells parents when they should listen to their heart-and when practical considerations are too important to ignore. Each chapter features workbook section with constructive exercises and stimulating questions. Adoptive parents do not need yet another book promising a "fast track" to a child or explaining how to collect documents. Instead, they need Labor of the Heart to help them through the difficult emotions and decisions about adoption.