I Believe You: Self-Care When Your Parent Struggles Emotionally

By Cathy Barker

I Believe You: Self-Care When Your Parent Struggles Emotionally (Ages 6-12)

What if the child in your life is carrying a weight they can't explain?

When a parent's emotions shift unpredictably, children often wonder, Did I do something wrong? Some feelings are too big to understand alone.

Jack and Alice love their mom but don't always understand her. Some days, she's full of energy, playing and laughing with them. Other days, she can't get out of bed, and they're left to figure things out on their own. No one talks about it, and deep down, they wonder-is it our fault?

I Believe You is a compassionate, age-appropriate story that helps children navigate the complex emotions of living with a parent who struggles with mental health challenges such as depression and mood swings.

When Gramma Kate invites Jack and Alice on a nature walk, she listens to their worries and helps them understand that their mom's struggles are not their fault. Through the wisdom of the forest and the quiet strength of a lighthouse, she helps them see that their self-worth is independent of their parent's emotions and empowers them to seek support.

This heartfelt book is a valuable resource for parents, grandparents, educators, and counselors who want to help children:

Understand that a parent's mental illness is not their fault.Develop emotional resilience and self-worth.Find comfort in knowing they are not alone.

Ideal for classrooms, counseling sessions, and home libraries, I Believe You gently and reassuringly fosters open discussions about family mental health.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1068819960
• ISBN13: 9781068819964
• Release Date: March 2025
• Publisher: Cathy Barker
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.68 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 8.5" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 6 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 7