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No Sugar Coating: The Coffee Talk You Need About Foster Parenting
No Sugar-Coating is a warm, straight-up guide that reads like a conversation with a knowledgeable friend. It is filled with practical suggestions interwoven with compelling narrative rooted in foster parenting experience. No Sugar-Coating offers valuable insight for those eager to learn more about foster parenting as well as an anchoring for those who have already welcomed vulnerable children through their front door.
94 pages, Paperback
Published September 22, 2019
11 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
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July 31, 2020I'm not giving this book a rating because I don't feel like someone's experience with foster care should be rated.
I bought this book because we just became certified foster parents and I've been reading as many resources as I can to understand what the experience is like. This book is very small, so I was upset that there wasn't more info, but most of the information was helpful - some things I already knew, and some I learned from the book. I would recommend getting this book from the library or borrowing it from someone, instead of buying it.
I bought this book because we just became certified foster parents and I've been reading as many resources as I can to understand what the experience is like. This book is very small, so I was upset that there wasn't more info, but most of the information was helpful - some things I already knew, and some I learned from the book. I would recommend getting this book from the library or borrowing it from someone, instead of buying it.
December 7, 2025
Just did a re-read of this and again this was one of the most practical books I’ve read on being a foster parent. Highly recommend to anyone in that space or supporting someone in that space!
This has probably been the most helpful, hands on resource on foster parenting that I’ve read. Honest without being negative and contained SO much tangible wisdom that can only be gained from experience, and as someone who has no foster experience, her practical tips helped me feel less afraid and more prepared. Also fun that she’s local and helped start a non-profit that is a huge resource to foster parents in our area!
This has probably been the most helpful, hands on resource on foster parenting that I’ve read. Honest without being negative and contained SO much tangible wisdom that can only be gained from experience, and as someone who has no foster experience, her practical tips helped me feel less afraid and more prepared. Also fun that she’s local and helped start a non-profit that is a huge resource to foster parents in our area!
October 13, 2019
An excellent and comprehensive introduction to the hills and valleys of foster care for those considering becoming foster parents. As a foster parent for 6 years much of what she addresses is what I desperately needed at the very beginning. This is a book to buy for all my friends thinking of jumping in to foster care.
December 29, 2019
Loved this book! She was able to communicate the struggles of foster parenting while still reflecting on joys. Will recommend this book many of my friends considering foster care. Our family has experience with "Kinship Care"and is exploring "General Foster."
June 6, 2023
Super short book and quick read. This is a down to earth, real life look at what foster care is like, but it’s also encouraging.
December 31, 2022
Easy to read. The quote "foster care... Is to walk a precarious tightrope between reality and hope." Has stuck with me. Huge need. Huge amount of commitment to foster.
July 8, 2023
As someone who is in the process of becoming a foster parent, I enjoyed hearing what most people will not tell you about the journey. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because I wish it was more in depth. I did see at the end she had another book though. I highly recommend any future foster parents to read this.
January 20, 2020
I read this because I'm a CASA volunteer in Oregon and I wanted to get a better sense of what the experience is like for foster parents. I thought it was all good advice and helped me get a better understanding of why people foster and what their biggest fears and challenges are.
January 17, 2021
I've read about 5 different foster parenting books and this is going to be the book I recommend to those looking into foster parenting.
August 14, 2021
So many great tidbits!
Very well written but I wish it was longer. Addressed a lot of topics but meant more of an intro. Highly recommend
Very well written but I wish it was longer. Addressed a lot of topics but meant more of an intro. Highly recommend
April 14, 2022
So many helpful tips for the person considering foster care or the new foster parent. Jilliana writes in a relatable and down to earth style where she shares from her years of experience.
January 6, 2023
Was a great first read of many. Quick and thoughtful, I look forward to next reading her memoir.
January 28, 2026
Great overview of foster care for people considering it.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews