Deborah D. Gray

Securely Attached

Marriage, Family & Relationships

“Mike and Kristin Berry's new book, Securely Attached, is an engaging conversation between the Berrys and their readers. The Berrys coach adoptive and foster parents, giving examples, scripts, and information in a format that answers typical questions: "Why do they do that?" and "What should I do?" The practical advice in the book runs the gamut of parenting experiences, from an observation checklist to pin down the source of a child's dysregulation, to how to form a safety plan for a child/teen who poses a danger to others. In one of my favorite chapters, the authors describe the "floors" of a child/teen's brain, and how to react accordingly. Securely Attached succeeds in providing straightforward explanations for complex issues. The authors provide plans to reduce the challenges to attachment—trauma, sensory issues, losses, and behaviors. Every reader who is parenting through adoption, guardianship, or foster care will find new methods and insights in this book. Best of all, they will experience the Berrys cheering for their families.”