Surprising Lessons I Learned as a Foster Dad to More Than 40 Kids

Whether a child has been in a loving and supportive home from day one or has been bounced from one house to another in the foster care system, parenting them is messy. A former street kid, Peter Mutabazi knows what it feels like to grow up in a world where love, caring, and kindness are nowhere to be found. But as the adoptive father of three and a foster dad to more than forty children, he also knows what a difference it makes when a child experiences the positive influence of an attentive and loving parent.

In this honest and hopeful book, Peter shares surprising lessons he has learned during his unique parenting adventure, including how to:

  • Parent children for who they are rather than for who you want them to be

  • Look beyond problem behaviors to find their root causes

  • Love children who do not want your love

  • Understand your own scars and turn them into understanding and healing for your children

No matter what your parenting journey has entailed, you will find wisdom, encouragement, and practical instruction in these hope-soaked pages.

AVAILABLE NOW >

Looking for a resource for your organization? Special discounts available for bulk orders through Baker Book House.

About the Author

Peter Mutabazi is an entrepreneur, an adoptive dad of three, a foster dad, and the founder of Now I Am Known. A former street kid who has worked for World Vision, Compassion International, and the Red Cross, Peter is a passionate and popular speaker, as well as the author of Now I Am Known. He lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.

*Photo Credit: Justin Driscoll Photography

Praise for the Book >

  • “In Love Does Not Conquer All, Peter’s blend of personal stories and practical advice offers a roadmap for healing and connection that every parent and child could benefit from.”

    Tori Hope Petersen, bestselling author and speaker

  • "This book is a powerful testament to the resilience of both children and parents as they navigate the hidden scars and unexpected challenges that love alone cannot erase."

    Jen Lilley, actress, producer, and foster and adoptive mom

  • "This compelling, thought-provoking, and child-centered book serves not only as a crucial resource for adoption agencies and child welfare professionals but also as essential reading for all parents striving to create loving and trauma-informed environments.”

    Rhonda M. Roorda, award-winning author of In Their Voices: Black Americans on Transracial Adoption and consultant to the Emmy Award-winning series This Is Us

  • “This book is a story of triumph—where Peter came from and where he has arrived as a parent is remarkable. We all have challenges as children, whether fostered, adopted, or birthed, but Peter’s journey with his children is one of pure inspiration that can reach out to anyone, no matter your race or creed!”

    Ruvé and Neal McDonough, producer and actors

  • “Peter Mutabazi has written an incredible expression of love and humor. His understanding of the hearts of children in the foster care system and his wisdom for fostering families is a rare gem. In this book, he offers realistic expectations, but he ends with hope for the journey for those who care for hurting and vulnerable children.”

    Tamalani Barnett, cofounder and executive director of RaisingHOPE

  • “As a fellow foster/adoptive parent, I deeply appreciate Peter’s insight and raw honesty. I pray this book inspires every reader to search their heart and ask how they can serve foster children and families. These children deserve our best, and Peter is proof that together we can change lives!”

    Sara Arn, certified Arizona foster parent trainer and adoptive mother of seven

  • "A must-read, Love Does Not Conquer All reminds us that life isn’t like Hollywood: the foster care journey can be challenging, but God is with us every step of the way.”

    Bob Hamer, veteran undercover FBI agent and author of The Last Undercover

  • “Peter’s unconventional path to parenthood and the honest lessons he shares are profoundly inspiring for any parent. His relatable vulnerability shines as he navigates a world unfamiliar to many: foster care. Offering a rare and unflinching glimpse into the lives of teens in the system—often overlooked or misunderstood—he reveals the critical need for these children to be seen, loved, and parented."

    Nicole Taylor, chief communications and community officer, Riverstone Logistics

  • “Peter has written a rare kind of book on his long experience as a foster dad—wise and light-hearted, self-critical and self-compassionate, realistic and hopeful—all the makings of an engaging memoir and of a good parent.”

    Susan Silverman, author of Casting Lots and founder of Second Nurture

For media inquiries regarding Peter and his books, please contact Kelli Smith at ksmith[at]bakerpublishinggroup.com.