From Fear To Love by B. Bryan Post

Bryan Post speaks to parents about the challenges they face when dealing with behaviors that are often present for adopted children.  He helps parents understand the impact of early life trauma and the impact of interruptions in the attachment process.  In his compassion for parents and children he offers hope and solutions for the challenges families face.  Many parents of adopted children express their fear not only for their child's present behaviors, but for what will become of them in the future.  Bryan's straightforward, clear-cut approach has created peace and healing for hundreds of families; families who once operated in fear, are now experiencing love. - From the back of the book

Being a single mom of a child with special needs has it's difficulties.  I've read mountains of books in search of answer to make things easier for both of us.  That's right.  I said 'mountains'.  That may be a slight exaggeration, but it's slight.  I want my child to feel safety and comfort because I love him.  I'm not alone in this.  Most parents feel that way.  When you have a child that has autism, brain damage, rage issues, control issues or trauma, it can be difficult to figure out how to proceed with your child.  When you adopt a child, you have no idea exactly what issues you're going to be facing until you face them.  Although this book is geared towards parents of adopted children, I strongly urge every single parent to go buy this book.  Most of the behaviors described in this book are not only found in adopted children.  (I know you know that, Bryan!  I'm just sayin!)  Not only does this book explore how to handle the issues we have with our children, Bryan goes into detail to explain why these things occur.  Through reading this book, we gain a better understanding of how our children work, how we work, and how we can work together to build a stronger family. 

I love the way this book is put together.  Honestly, it's the best parenting handbook I've seen for someone with a child that has difficult behaviors.  Reading it through the first time, you gain a basic understanding for the principles based in the book.  It's a lot like being at an inspirational seminar where you have a charismatic man urging you to find your parenting potential and reach it.  Bryan is a cross between Emeril and the Shamwow guy.  Well, in writing mannerisms he is.  Add to that a genuine concern for families and it makes this book just amazing to read through.  After the initial read, go back and reread the chapters that pertain to you.  Underline behaviors and triggers that you find that are pertinent to your relationship with your child. Even if you aren't into reading, this book is a must have.  Each chapter has  a section over-viewing the key concepts of that chapter.  If you just go through and read those key concepts, you'll gain a new understanding of your relationship with your child.

Again, I know this book is geared towards adopted children and families.  If you are thinking of adopting a child, please read this book.  If you have adopted a child, please read this book.  If you yourself have been adopted, please read this book.  If you're a parent and have nothing to do with adoption in any manner, please read this book.  A greater understanding of our children and how to handle them can only help.