The Family of Adoption - Softcover

Pavao, Joyce Maguire

4.19

165 ratings by Goodreads

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0807028010 ISBN 13: 9780807028018

Publisher: Beacon Press, 1998

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Pioneering family and adoption therapist Dr. Joyce Maguire Pavao is the first to demonstrate that there are predictable and understandable developmental stages and challenges for adopted people. Through stories of work with children and families, she shows us that adoptive parents, as well as teachers, therapists, and all who work with children must come to understand these developmental stages as normal—challenging, but normal. The Family of Adoption is a timely and powerful argument for the right kind of "openness" within adoptive families.

"The Family of Adoption, Pavao's insightful, informative, and at times very moving look at adoption from all sides, remains true to her premise that 'at the bottom of each and every adoption—no matter which kind—for all of the birth and adoptive parents, is a child.'"
—Diane Daniel, The Boston Globe
"Pavao's own adoption and years of experience as a psychologist working with adoption issues enables her to offer practical advice, a unique and empathetic understanding, and wise counsel."
—Marian Wright Edelman, president, the Children's Defense Fund
"Many have written about adoption. Few have Joyce Maguire Pavao's unique combination of personal experience, professional expertise and eloquent voice. She . . . offers us new insights and understanding. Her stories . . . have an authenticity that is invaluable."
—Annette Baran, coauthor of Adoption Triangle and Lethal Secrets
"A commitment to placing the best interests of the child first informs every page of this excellent study."
—Publishers Weekly

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Review:

We've long needed a book like Pavao's, which looks at adoption as an idea and a process . . . I recommend it to all readers who are affected by adoption, and isn't that all of us? --Mary Pipher, author of Reviving Ophelia and The Shelter of Each Other

"A commitment to placing the best interests of the child first informs every page of this excellent study of the complex psychological and social dynamics of adoptive families." --Publishers Weekly

"[An] insightful, informative, and at times very moving look at adoption from all sides . . . What makes this book so helpful for anyone involved in the adoption process is the author's obvious respect for all parties, including parents, extended families, and even teachers, judges, and social workers. Instead of putting people off, [Pavao] encourages them to find new ways to empathize and cooperate, keeping the child's best interest at the forefront." --Diane Daniel, Boston Globe

"This very candid, honest book takes a look at infertility and the ambiguity of adoption that is often merely alluded to in other adoption publications . . . This book is a gift to anyone involved in adoption. Get it and read it more than once." --Chosen Family Magazine

From the Author:

clarification of reviewer's comments
although Dr. Brodzinsky's book was published in 1992, Dr. Pavao studied with Erik Erikson at Harvard in mid 1980's and wrote an article on developmental stages and challenges at that time. Dr. Brodzinsky attended some of Dr. Pavao's early lectures on the subject. Dr. Brodzinsky is an excellent researcher and has a wonderful collections of writings on adoption.

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