Helping Your Child Recover from Sexual Abuse [Paperback]

Caren Adams (Author), Jennifer Fay (Author), A. G. Fawkes (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1992 | ISBN-10: 0295968060 | ISBN-13: 978-0295968063 | Edition: 1

The sexual abuse of a child creates a devastating family crisis. Parents want to know what to do and say to help their child, both immediately and in the long term. "Helping your Child Recover from Sexual Abuse" offers practical guidance for parents who courageously face the days and months after a child's abuse. Written in a positive, reassuring jargon-free style, it discusses each stage of a child's recovery. Information for parents appears on the left-hand pages; sample conversations and activities for parent and child together are on the right-hand pages.The book presents the collective wisdom of numerous parents who have been through this experience and have learned how to help their children feel stronger, safer, braver, more lovable, worthwhile, and competent. Topics covered in the book include: What to do when abuse is first disclosed? Helping a child cope with the legal system; Responding to the reactions of friends and loved ones; Children's reactions to abuse; How parents and children grieve differently; Rebuilding a child's self-esteem; Dealing with confusion about sexuality; Helping a child feel safe and in control; Typical problems at different ages; And recognizing when a child is getting better.

Product Details

• Paperback: 157 pages
• Publisher: Univ of Washington Pr; 1 edition (February 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0295968060
• ISBN-13: 978-0295968063
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #76,726 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #98 in Books > Parenting & Relationships > Family Relationships > Dysfunctional Relationships

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Helpful book that touches on a lot of subjects and gives "what to say" advice, May 11, 2008

By 

J. Larson (Minnesota) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Helping Your Child Recover from Sexual Abuse (Paperback)

For my husband and I, this book was reassuring that we're doing things right, which is truly not much of a comfort in this horrific time in our lives. Our oldest son sexually abused our youngest (9 years difference). This book didn't cover much at all on sibling sexual abuse but did cover very real issues like how important it is to BELIEVE your child and give them support, dealing with the responses from friends and family, handling your childs reactions and daily life, the legal system, grieving, self esteem, sexuality, dealing with the abuse as your child matures and trying to move on. As my title says, each section gives a guide/suggestion on things you could say to your child to help them in each situation. There were also some excercises that could be done with older children to help them process things out.

On a personal note, if you are having to look this subject up in Amazon, my heart goes out to you. We never would have expected to be in this "club" that no one wants to be in. There are so many emotions to deal with right now. I want to give this book 5 stars, however it didn't give me any specific info on sibling abuse or any new ideas and I truthfully am still at the stage that Im looking for "the answer" - the one thats going to make all this pain and suffering go away. I know I'll never find it, but, nevertheless.....

I think the book is a worthwhile read.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for parents going through this horror., November 19, 2008

By 

mom@45 "Karen" (Tennessee) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Helping Your Child Recover from Sexual Abuse (Paperback)

I have a three-year-old daughter who has been molested by her biological father and it has been a roller coaster, still is as we are still in the midst of a DCS investigation. Though he has been indicated, we are not certain what the courts will rule. As I picked the book up to scan through it, it was amazing how many things "hit home" and made me feel validated, which is something you find yourself needing as the non-offending parent. Although I wish the book were updated, it is still a very valuable resource. I am glad my daughter's play therapist recommended it to me.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Book I've read to help my children, January 30, 2010

By 

K. Benson (USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Helping Your Child Recover from Sexual Abuse (Paperback)

This book has been an excellent book that has helped me walk through the steps of child abuse. Some of the things I love about this book are: ease of reading-easy to understand with suggestions on how to help my children. It has helped me to understand where I am as a parent. Short chapters make jumping around easier. I have young children and this book has been a tremendous help for all of our family.