Lionheart - Jodie Hampshire

This is the book the authors wish they had a decade ago as they started out to raise healthy and resilient adopted children - and stay sane in the process.

You've completed the paperwork, waited and waited and then waited some more. Then, your adopted child is yours to parent. And you plan to parent them better than anyone has ever been parented before. You've trained for this, you've prepared for this. You are so ready!

Before long, you realise that the hard work is just starting. You realise that you are dealing with a child who has experienced trauma, and that you need to partner them in healing. You face a world that treats you differently because you are an adoptive family. You start to feel isolated as people tell you "that's just kids." You feel like that just isn't true.

This is where Lionheart comes in. This book was written over two years, a collaboration between four adoptive parents with over a decade of intercountry adoption experience each. It honestly and humorously shares the authors' issues, mistakes and triumphs - from the early days, the central issue of trauma, behavioural challenges, the therapy and strategy toolbox, and parental self-care.

Lionheart chronicles years of trial and error and many (so many!) mistakes, and through shared struggles, successes and learnings will provide you comfort that you're not alone.

Lionheart is a for-purpose venture, with all proceeds from the book supporting a range of targeted projects benefiting vulnerable children in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Cambodia, under the banner of Big Love Family Projects. Visit lionheartfamilies.com for resources and project updates.