Hi. I am the mother through adoption of two boys that were abused by their biological mother fairly violently for a period of 18 months or so. We have had the boys 4 years and three years prior to that they were in foster care.

We searched for and found the boys bio family shortly after adopting them and have had a reasonable good relationship wtih them. A year and a half ago all contact with the birthmom stopped, although the birth-grandma has kept in contact and the paternal relatives have recently initiated good contact. Birthmom was diagnosed with Schizoid Personality Disorder and although I knew that, I had not done much research on it. This past week, I was so inclined and now really UNDERSTAND why she hasnt been able to maintain a relationship with us --- she is simply incapable. That being said, however, doesnt help our sons to understant the whys and how comes of why someone who should love them, doesnt seem capable right now.

I was wondering if anyone knew of any GOOD books geared for children that talks about mental illness in families or loving someone who has done bad things .... Those sorts of ideas.

Thanks! Jen