Customer Reviews

Something Is Wrong at My House

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

 

 

This book is a definate plus for kids. It has a simple story, one side is for older kids that includes more description, and one side is the simpler story for littler kids. Kids relate to the story and are able to open up while you are reading. A definate must have for social worker dealing with domestic violence, or abuse.

This is a good book for children who witness domestic violence at home. It's been helpful with young people in my practice.

"Something Is Wrong at My House: A Book About Parents' Fighting" is a book especially written for school age (and also adapted for preschool age) children to help break the generational cycle of domestic abuse. It is based on a true story of a boy who lived in a violent household. Written in simple terms that can easily be understood, "Something is Wrong at My House" addresses and describes the effects of domestic abuse in terms of a child's feelings and reactions. There are specific suggestions for what the child can do to deal with their own chaotic feelings to avoid violence and a Safety Plan development suggestion so that the child can take appropriate steps to protect himself and siblings when the violence is too threatening. The book's format is such that each set of pages presents similar information for an older child or for a preschool-aged child. It ends with suggestions for adults to contact for help and some positive steps a child can take plus affirmations: "I am a very special, lovable person. My needs are important. I deserve to be safe and happy and so do you!" "Something Is Wrong at My House" is an excellent resource for children in families at risk and those who work with them or are close to them. Also recommended by the same publisher is "Where is My Mommy?: Coping When a Parent Leaves (And Doesn't Come Back)," by Mary Kilgore and Mitchell Kilgore, illustrated by Cary Pillo.

Violence is not OK, and they need to know it isn't about them and they are not alone! This book is great for kids up to pre-teen. Even though it is intended for younger children, its simplicity makes it great as a tool to broach a difficult subject with older or more reluctant kids.

The drawings in this book are kind of boring, plain black and white. And, on one page, it depicts a man slapping a woman while the kid looks on - while I know this is a reality for some kids, I didn't feel the picture was appropriate.