Many parents of children who have been sexually abused are faced with resistance when they try to check in with them or ask how they are feeling about it. Kids answer with "I'm fine" or "I don't want to talk about it". This happens a lot. Parents often feel resistance as well. Who wants to dwell in the past anyways?
The thing is, it is very important to check in about how kids are feeling in the here and now. They probably have no idea that any current "bad" feelings are even linked to the abuse.
A therapeutic story is a great starting point to connect with any difficult feelings and internalizations caused by the abuse. Parent and child can both start thinking and empathizing with Kitty Kelly who doesn't want to talk about it either. Kids may realize that they too have a dark cloud following them around and experience the relief that comes with expressing what is bothering them.
My hope is that the story can help parents understand that responding with warmth and understanding is what their child needs. This book is a resource that can be read again and again to deepen connection, create understanding and foster resilience.
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