Family Issues

Family Issues

What You Need to Know

Adoption, death of a grandparent, divorce, finances, the loss of a treasured pet – knowing how to address difficult subjects with your children can help your family navigate challenging times together.

 

Resources

The following websites and books may be helpful:

 

Adoption

 

Alcoholism

  • An Elephant in the Living Room, by Marion H.Typpo and Hill M. Hastings, Compcare Publishing.  Hands-on workbook designed to help readers 4-8 understand their own feelings about having an alcoholic parent.
  • Dear Kids of Alcoholics, by Lindsey Hall and Leigh Cohm, Gurze Design and Books.  Tells readers 8-17 about life with an alcoholic parent through the eyes of school-aged child.
  • Different Like Me:  A Book for Teens Who Worry about Their Parent's Use of Alcohol/Drugs, by Evelyn Leite and Pamela Espeland, Johnson Institute. A book about life with a parent who abuses alcohol or drugs, answering common questions frankly and empowering readers with a reassuring message.
  • Everything You Need to Know About An Alcoholic Parent, by Nancy Shuker, Rosen Publishing Group. A realistic look at what alcoholism is, its effect on the family, and ways to find help and hope.

 

Loss of a Pet

  • Pet Loss, by Herbert A. Nueburg, Ph.D & Arlene Fischer.  A thoughtful guide for adults and children, a must for animal lovers dealing with the loss of a pet.
  • Goodbye, Friend, by Gary Kowalski. Healing wisdom for anyone who has ever lost a pet.
  • The Loss of a Pet, by Wallace Sife, Ph.D.  A guide to coping with the grieving process when a pet dies.
  • The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: A Story Of Life For All Ages, by Leo Buscaglia. As Freddie learns that death is a part of life as he experiences the changing seasons along with his companion leaves.
  • Tear Soup, by Pat Schweibert

 

Divorce

  • The Parents Book about Divorce, by Richard Gardner, M.D., Bantam Books. Timeless information for parents contemplating divorce.
  • The Boys and Girls Book about Divorce, by Richard Gardner, M.D., Bantam Books. Describes in simple and reassuring terms the emotional and practical issues of divorce.

 

Mental Health

  • Active Minds — this organization is dedicated to changing the conversation about mental health on college campuses.
  • No Stigma — the National Mental Health Awareness Campaign provides resources for various mental illnesses
  • Emory Women' s Program — information and resources on mental health in pregnancy and post-partum
  • American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry — with more information on young people with mental, behavioral, or developmental disorders.

 

Parenting and Family Dynamics

  • PET: Parent Effectiveness Training, by Thomas Gordon, New American Library Trade.
  • Making Children Mind without Losing Yours, by Dr. Kevin Leman, Fleming H. Revell Co.
  • Beyond Discipline; Parenting that Lasts a Lifetime, by Edward D. Christopherson, Overland Press, Inc.
  • Parenting a Child with a Learning Disability, by Tuttle and Paquette, Doubleday.
  • The Loving Parents Guide to Discipline: How to Teach Your Child to Behave With Kindness, Understanding and Respect, by Marilyn Gootman, Berkley Publishing Company.
  • Loving Each One Best: A Caring and Practical Guide to Raising Siblings, by Nancy Samalin and Catherine Whitney, Bantam Books.
  • Raising a Responsible Child: How Parents Can Avoid Indulging Too Much and Rescuing Too Often, by Elizabeth Ellis, Carol Publishing Corp.
  • The Privileged Child, by Madeline Levine, Ph.D., HarperCollins Publishing.