Customer Reviews

Help Kids Cope with Stress & Trauma

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Though this book is full of great, practical suggestions for helping kids cope by using storytelling, appropriate touch and other activites, my favorite thing is that I feel that the Goode's write as if they believe most parents are doing a good job. I never felt they talked down to me or had a list of shoulds and musts. Instead, they gave me confidence to try something new. They also gently reminded me how much I was already doing right to help my three kids cope. No matter how old your kids are, even if they are grown-up, there is a wealth of loving ideas to help everone cope with the stress of everyday life and the all-too-frequent traumas we face.

This is a fascinating and unique book aimed at parents and caregivers. It's not just for parents of stressed-out kids or those who have expeerienced trauma--it's for every parent and really for every child. The book has two main topics--the physical effects of touch and breathing technique, and the mental effects of storytelling and imagery. the authors show in great detail how to think about and how to implement their suggestions. I've read a lot of parenting books--my bookshelves are full of them--but I've never read anything as useful and interesting as this book.

This book should be required reading for counselors and other professionals who work with kids. This book offers a clearly written, step by step guide on how to use powerful therapeutic techniques to help kids deal with stress and stressful situations. As a psychologist who works with children going through divorce, family conflicts, school anxiety, and other stressful events I've used many of the techniques suggested here. It's really amazing to see the results when a child (or adult) is able to finally let go of some of the stress/tension they are experiencing and be able to move on to problem solving and learning coping skills. I've also used some of these techniques - such as full wave breathing and guided imagery - with large groups and even whole classrooms of kids. The book also contains some great illustrations that will help you understand and master the stress reduction techniques described. Highly recommended.

Help Kids Cope is set up to walk parents, teachers, and care givers through a step by step plan to create a whole, calm, loving environment for children and teens. Very specific tools are presented for helping kids cope with the every day stresses of life. These same tools also aid in healing more dramatic traumas as well.

This book is set up to first introduce the reader to concepts of attitude and environment and how that will affect a child's ability to cope with the stresses of life; and the authors masterfully cover a lot of ground. Each chapter includes examples of how the techniques have been used and a summary of the points covered. It is rich with pearls of wisdom and gentle support for care givers. Here's one quote:

"What we really want out of life is the experience of being loved unconditionally, feeling secure about our unique visions, a sense of being affirmed, being forgiven and accepted in spite of our mistakes, and being personally worthy without having to prove anything to anybody, even when we feel overwhelmed and powerless. We want this and our children want this."

Real tools and real action steps make this more than a theoretical discourse. Be aware though, this book is a call to action to bring new breath (literally and figuratively) into the lives of the young people in your life. Change does not always come easily in this world of getting things done. Using the ideas presented in this book means you will develop an unhurried relationship with the children in your care (which in my opinion is the best gift children can receive from their trusted adults).

Deep breathing or as they call it, "full wave breathing" is explained in great detail, what it is, what it does, how to teach it to young children and teens, and how the adult reader can benefit too. "Awareness through storytelling" is another of the tools presented, as is "new vision with guided imagery," both effective techniques.

I've already used some of the techniques with my kids with positive results (including a guided imagery idea that I adapted for our family). I think one of the sub titles really gives the best feeling for the book: "Nurturing Peace and Balance." This book presents compelling techniques in clear, practical ways.

Help Kids Cope with Stress & Trauma (by authors Goode, Goode, and Russell) is an excellent resource for parents, teachers, and caregivers. Everyday stressors can have adverse effects on children. The breathing techniques, storytelling/narration exercises, and guided imagery lessons are absolutely terrific. Don't think this book is just for children who have experienced a traumatic event. Busy families and competitive athletes can benefit from the breathing and guided imagery techniques presented in this easy-to-read, inspiring book which promotes proven ways to find peace and balance in a fast-paced world. This is a must read for anyone interested in helping children manage stress.

We all know how stressful it is to live in this modern age. It is not just stressful for adults. Children are under greater stress today than ever before. I see it every day in our schools. We can help children learn coping skills that will assist them now, and help them develop into resilient, secure adults.

Authors Caron Goode, Tom Goode, and David Russell bring an abundance of education and experience to the issue of childhood stress and trauma. They offer clear explanations and examples of the signs and symptoms of stress in children from infancy through adolescence. Reassuring suggestions for helpful techniques and activities are provided in good detail.

Readers will learn how to nourish a child's body, mind, and spirit through the use of touch, breathing, imagery, and storytelling. You will learn how to assist children in developing awareness of physical reactions to stress, strategies for self-regulation, managing emotions, and regulating responses to stress. These techniques work with children and adults.

Help Kids Cope With Stress and Trauma is a wonderful resource for parents, educators, counselors and therapists. Give a copy to a parent or teacher today.