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You can help your child cope with a difficult life situation by offering him a book whose hero is experiencing the same difficulties. He will see that he is not alone in his trouble and that there is a way out of any difficult situation. But how do you choose the right book? To begin with, look into a kind of “literary medical book”, which was created by bibliotherapists Ella Berthou and Susan Elderkin.
Resentment and rudeness, first love and addiction to computer games, unwillingness to wash hands and dissatisfaction with their appearance … For a couple of hundred problems that arise in children and adolescents, as well as their parents, British bibliotherapists Ella Berthou and Susan Elderkin have selected suitable book “medicines” and explained how they work. Their “The book is medicine for children” published by Sinbad Publishing House. Posting snippets.
1. Fear of the dark
Almost all children are at least a little afraid of the dark. Moreover, it is usually not she herself who causes fear, but those terrible things that may lurk in her. It is worth giving free rein to the imagination, and the child is immediately surrounded by all kinds of beeches and monsters. As soon as they climb out of the corners, run to the closet for a book. Martin Waddell “Why are you awake?” (Polandria, 2015).
When Little Bear complains that he can’t sleep, Big Bear puts his Bear Book down and comes over to find out what’s wrong. The teddy bear sits in the crib, grabbing its hind legs – as children do when they are embarrassed by something. Finally, he confesses that he is afraid of the dark. “What darkness?” Big Bear asks. “The one around me,” Little Bear replies, and the reader can almost see him rocking back and forth excitedly on the page. Big Bear brings a flashlight and it clears the darkness a bit…
This comforting, unhurried, and supremely drowsy book will hasten bedtime for adults and children alike.
2. Inhumanity
There is nothing wrong with being single. But a child who spends too much time alone deprives himself of the joys of friendship. In this case, he will need a gentle, poetry-filled book. Victoria Turnbull “Pandora” (Polandria, 2017).
In the world of broken things, the fox Pandora lived alone – but did not miss it at all. All day she was busy picking up things thrown away by people, repairing them as best she could, and giving them new life.
But one day a bird with a broken wing fell from the sky. Pandora did not know how to fix it, so she simply laid the bird down as comfortably as possible and did not leave her side all night. Having got stronger, she began to jump on the ground – and then fly farther and farther, but each time she always returned to her friend with gifts. And the world of Pandora began to come to life – until it turned into a bright, flowering, fragrant forest.
This is exactly what happens to the soul of a person warmed by friendly warmth and participation. Perhaps, after reading Pandora, your little loner will for the first time think about what he refuses?
3. Rudeness
If your well-behaved child has suddenly turned into a real pig, do not rush to mourn your pedagogical failure. Rudeness and cruelty, which at times manifest in each of us, can have good reasons. This is wonderfully illustrated in the picture book. Dina Gellert “How Piglet Became Snake” (Rainbow, 1996).
One morning, Piglet wakes up in a strange mood. Not in bad and not in good, not in sad and not in cheerful … but as if everything inside him is boiling and seething. And he is tempted to do something nasty to someone. At breakfast, he deliberately knocks over a glass of milk, on the way to school he tramples on a sand palace built by chickens, and in an arithmetic lesson he puts a button on the teacher’s chair. Naturally, in the evening Piglet gets hit properly …
The story ends happily: Piglet reconciles with his mother and asks for forgiveness from everyone he offended. She makes the reader think that behind many destructive emotions there is an emotional pain that has not found a healthy outlet, and in fact, a rude person can be just as bad as those to whom he is rude.
4. Always busy parents
Raising children and working at the same time, keeping the house in order, taking care of yourself and finding time for a new series of your favorite series is very difficult. But the child needs to know that he is not in last place on your list of important things. Read a book to him Eliza Rosy “Where’s Mom Hurrying?” (Polandria, 2017).
Ernest and Margarita’s mother, like any other mother, is always running, in a hurry and trying to do everything. She often asks Ernest and Margarita to play by themselves while she works, and if the kids are naughty, mom sometimes breaks into a scream.
But “sometimes it seems to mom that time flies too fast” – and then she stops rushing. Mom, Ernest and Margarita play together, sing in three voices, bake delicious cake and admire the clouds. Mom enjoys every minute and does not think about time. And then it seems to stop…
A light story in which, probably, every mother will recognize herself. For adults, it will become a pleasant cure for excessive haste, for children – a reminder that, no matter how fast mom is, she still loves her kids.
5. Tantrums
The dictionary gives us the following definition of a tantrum: “A tantrum is an uncontrollable outburst of anger or irritation, characteristic of young children.” Regardless of whether they happen regularly or from time to time, in a crisis situation or in response to any mother’s “no”, the cure for tantrums is vital for both children and adults who find themselves in the affected radius. A picture book is best for both. “Hare” Mo Willems (Career Press, 2013), which takes place on the streets of Brooklyn.
Dad takes little Trixie with him to the laundry. Trixie walks hand in hand with her dad, hugging her beloved plush Bunny. In the laundry room, she “helps” dad by putting coins in the slot of the washing machine. Finally, the deed is done, and dad and Trixie are sent back. Dad whistles merrily, but Trixie suddenly freezes, and we see that her eyes are getting big, big. Trixie tugs on daddy’s hand and yells, “Tadi nyapa!”
We know what she wants to say, Trixie knows what she wants to say, but dad… Oh, poor dad has no idea. Therefore, on the following pages, he will have to go through a full-blown hysteria with piercing screams, tears, sobs, wringing of arms and legs and a defiant refusal to move. When they get home, Mom immediately understands what happened, and the family rushes back to the laundry to save Zainka from the washing machine.
Read this book to your child after the storm has passed and it will help you understand each other.
6. Lack of pocket money
Let’s be honest: no matter how much pocket money you give your children, they will never get enough. Therefore, instead of arguing about the amount, it is better to teach your child to think about what is worth spending money on and what is not, with the help of a wonderful book. “Millions” by Frank Cottrell Boyce (Rosman, 2005).
After the death of his wife, Damian and Anthony’s father fell into depression, and the boys have to take care of themselves. Damian reads the biographies of the saints, builds a house out of cardboard boxes in the depths of the garden and moves there. His older and more pragmatic brother Anthony is more interested in improving his financial situation. So when a suitcase containing £230 falls into Damian’s hands while praying, the brothers can’t agree on how to manage the money.
Have a child read this book and then discuss what they would do with such wealth.
Read more about these and other useful publications for children and parents in “The Book as Medicine for Children” by Ella Berthou and Susan Elderkin (Sinbad, 2018).