While their first book was written primarily for professionals, in "Trauma-Proofing Your Kids", the authors zero in on assisting lay caregivers in the prevention and healing of trauma. It is written in accessible language for parents (whether biological, foster, or adoptive), grandparents, aunts and uncles, and daycare workers. In addition to preventing trauma, it is a practical guide for 'stress-busting'. Its emphasis is in promoting resilience for kids in our fast-changing world of mishaps, increasing pressures and turbulence. Most books that have been written about trauma address therapists or medical professionals leaving parents out in the cold. As helpful as these books may be, the authors are often limited in both their narrow understanding of the nature of trauma (attributing it only to devastating events such as violence and molestation), as well as ignoring prevention. Their emphasis is mostly on treating trauma particularly with drugs.This book, on the other hand, is about nipping trauma in the bud by offering preventative 'emotional first aid' at the earliest signs that a child may have been overwhelmed.
Reviews
"Peter Levine and Maggie Kline have done an outstanding job of helping parents, and everyone else, to understand the different kinds of trauma children may face. I have done a lot of work in therapy around my own traumatic childhood event and was able to try out many of the easy-to-follow exercises they provide. I truly felt a relief and peacefulness that I had never felt before. I treasure this book and hope you will too." "--"Violet Oaklander, PhD, author of "Windows to Our Children: A Gestalt Therapy Approach to Children and Adolescents "and" Hidden Treasure: A Map to the Child's Inner Self" "If you've ever wondered how to help children navigate the rough and tumble vicissitudes of life, this book is a godsend." "--"Sandra Blakeslee, co-author of "The Body Has a Mind of Its Own" "This book is a must for every parent, teacher, coach and scout leader. It helps us to understand the stages of childhood development and supports parents in dealing with each stage more appropriately and sensitively. It is a pioneering work, a pioneering insight and a pioneering triumph. It is visionary common sense, pure and simple." "--"From the foreword by Mira Rothenberg ""Trauma-Proofing Your Kids "is an important tool to help parents and "all "adults deal with children that have experienced trauma. Understanding that trauma is a part of life should signal all of us to prepare ourselves for the inevitable." "--"Ron Scruggs, athletic coach, parent and grandparent
