MENDING CHRONICLES REVIEWS
“Any child who works his/her way through this book will be empowered for life with the emotional intelligence and spiritual wisdom, not only to recover and survive divorce, but to thrive and to be as happy as they can for ever after!”
Erika Filter, Counsellor
Focus on the Family Africa
I would highly recommend this book to parents, teachers and counsellors alike
I am a counsellor who works mainly with children and teenagers at Focus on the Family Africa. I have read ‘The Mending Chronicles of Liam and Emily’ and found this book to include a story and workbook with emotional vocabulary.
As a counsellor who often deals with children of divorce, I found this book to cover relevant and necessary topics for them. The book covers feelings of sadness, guilt, anger, new family, etc.
The stories are of two children, one younger- Emily and her older brother- Liam. The stories include typical thoughts, feelings and behaviours of children who have faced a divorce. These stories can help the client identify what they are feeling in a less threatening way. One could use these stories as a springboard for children who have faced a divorce.
What I use most in my counselling sessions is the workbook section at the end of each story; I have used this even for children facing other challenges such as grief. I found the worksheet sections very helpful for therapy, since they are practical, easy to understand and can provide a window into what the child is thinking. I have even used this section for a teenager whose parents had divorced.
As a Christian I highly valued the fact that the stories and workbook section includes Scripture; as I believe that Scripture brings life and healing. I enjoyed that it includes both good psychological tools and scriptures to help children who are dealing with divorce.
It also includes emotional vocabulary, should some children struggle to know what they are feeling; and what feeling words mean. This could help improve emotional intelligence of most children.
Another great aspect to the book is the colours – bright and colourful! Overall, I would highly recommend this book to parents, teachers and counsellors alike.
Puerto Banus Christian Center, Spain
I am not aware of any other book on the shelves that treats children in such a dignified, non-patronizing, intelligent, worthy manner
When most children feel physical pain they know they should go to the doctor. However, when it comes to experiencing emotional pain such as rejection, anger, fear, guilt and grief, who do they turn to?
I highly recommend they turn to the heroes of The Mending Chronicles – Liam, Emily and her trusty bear Mr. Twiddles who show the child reader how to be honest, dig deep and to be brave on their own adventure through divorce recovery.
The child reader is provided, through the means of interactive activities, with the weapons, the wisdom and the way to disarm the “giants” of divorce recovery such as anger, fear and guilt.
I am not aware of any other book on the shelves that treats children in such a dignified, non-patronizing, intelligent, worthy manner as Natalie does. Any child who works his/her way through this book will be empowered for life with the emotional intelligence and spiritual wisdom, not only to recover and survive divorce, but to thrive and to be as happy as they can for ever after!
Carolyn Rae, Counselling Psychotherapist BA Hons, Aberdeen, Scotland
A treasured piece of work, beautifully illustrated
A treasured piece of work, beautifully illustrated, outlining the difficult emotions and way of recovery for every child facing the impact of divorce on their family. Natalie tenderly leads the reader and child through a range of possible emotions which undoubtedly will help children identify and talk about their deepest fears.
Along with the spiritual wisdom and guidance from the story of Liam and Emily, this book has the capacity to ensure children develop a healthy strategy for life as they negotiate change. Useful not only for parents or main caregivers but also for any adults involved in helping children and their families finding healing through their pain.
amazon.com
Beautifully executed and very fit for purpose tool
This is a beautifully executed and very fit for purpose tool for dealing with the complicated and delicate intricacies of helping kids cope with divorce. It uses a carefully structured story to help children talk about the things they are going through and has some great features like the fun vocabularies that help children to name their feelings. Quite handy for big people too.
The material is unambiguous but gentle about its Christian basis. The tone manages to walk the tightrope of non-judgemental clarity that is age-appropriate and age accessible without compromising its honesty. Dealing with anyone in a divorce situation is emotionally charged especially kids and this is a great aid.