“Kids Awareness” Books Help Children Understand Issues
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Those involved in the lives of children are all too aware of the daily struggles many of them face. Kara Tamanini, a licensed psychotherapist, specializes in the treatment of children and adolescents experiencing a variety of issues and concerns. Her new book collection, the Kids Awareness Series, is focused on filing the gap between adult explanation of complex situations and what a child understands and feels.
The series is a much needed resource for children and their parents. Dealing with a variety of common childhood issues, her books speak to the child in a way that helps them comprehend what they are feeling and experiencing.
By writing about children’s experiences in non-intimidating and child-friendly language she is able to promote an awareness that serves as a foundation for growth and understanding.
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The first book in the planned series, “Understanding My ADHD,” is available now. The next installment, “I Promised Not to Tell,” written for children ages 5-10, is scheduled for release August 2009. The new book deals with the issue of child abuse and promotes reporting by the victimized child.
“I Promised Not to Tell” is written in non-intimidating, child-friendly language that uses the story of a girl named Abby to bring awareness of abuse to children. Abby’s story begins with an abusive father and her struggle to keep the information hidden, and then follows her through the reporting and eventual happy ending. The story allows a child to understand what it means to be abused, while emphasizing the importance of reporting the abuse to an adult.
Tamanini explains her child-centered approach; “I feel that children should be made aware of what is going on with them, as awareness brings understanding and with that we can work towards a solution.” She adds, “Children need to understand more than anyone else so they can participate in the treatment.” After 15 years of clinical practice, Tamanini has a unique perspective that allows her to speak directly to children, putting them at the center of their recovery.
Tamanini explains the approach of her new book, “This second book is to promote awareness of child abuse to a child and to facilitate the reporting of any type of abuse.” This book series brings Tamanini’s professional expertise to every child and family.
“I Promised Not to Tell,” encourages important conversations to take place in the home, with the use of professional explanations that are specifically geared toward the education and empowerment of children.
Tamanini’s first book, “Understanding My ADHD,” has received acclaim from experts, physicians, and parents alike:
“Young children always have questions, but those questions may not always be easy to answer. In her new kid-friendly book, Understanding my Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Kara Tamanini has made that process much simpler. In this sensitive book, easily understood by even preschoolers, Mr. Timmons, a kindly shop owner, shares his childhood experiences with Tommy, a boy coming to grips with his own ADHD behaviors. Wonderful on its own, this first book in Ms. Tamanini’s Kids Awareness Series leaves me wanting more. Patricia O. Quinn, Developmental Pediatrician / Director of the Center for Girls and Women with ADHD
I absolutely loved Kara’s book - “Understanding My Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder”! I remember when my son was diagnosed with ADHD; I really struggled with a way to explain it to him in a way that didn’t make him feel bad about himself. [This book] is a God send to parents. Brenda Nicholson, ADD Coach, ADD Student
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The next book, set for release Spring 2010, is written for teens and deals with the struggles of anorexia. This book will continue the pattern of the series, focusing on the story of a teen’s struggle. Tamanini points out that children and adolescents learn through modeling. Using the story of a child or teen similar to them brings understanding of the complex nature of their situation or that of their peers.
The complete series will cover these topics: Autism, Asperger’s Disorder, Bulimia, Anorexia, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and Divorce, all explained in child language seeking to promote awareness within the child.
Tamanini’s Web site, www.KidsAwarenessSeries.com, supplements the book series and is designed; “to help parents by providing them accurate information and to bring awareness to children and adults and to help children succeed in their life.” Tamanini updates her blog on the site regularly with advice and news for parents about various childhood ailments. Recent posts include advice about ADHD and OCD.
“I Promised Not to Tell” will be available in August 2009 through Eloquent Books. “Understanding My ADHD” retails at $14.50 and is available for wholesale through Eloquent Books.
