As I said earlier, there were definitely some therapeutic issues in the picture. I dealt with issues such as divorce, separation, bullying, https://plrainey.com/wp-admin/media-upload.php?post_id=987&type=image&TB_iframe=1death, loss, school phobia, physical and psychological abuse, lying, stealing, and other bad behaviors on a daily basis.
I had a huge library of books that I used both in a therapeutic way and a proactive way but primarily as a therapeutic tool. Berenstain Bears and Dr. Zeus, mainly Berenstain Bears, and their lessons were my constant companions. I actually had practically the entire collection of both series accumulated by purchasing for reading them to my own children when they were small. I picked up a few others for special issues at counseling conventions.
The point here is that I learned firsthand that books addressing problems children face such as death, divorce, bullying, finding friends, etc., are an extremely useful tool for helping them navigate stressful situations which left unaddressed lead to negative behavior. One of the lessons these taught was to love and be good to each other. Lessons like the fact that in order to have a friend you must be a friend were taught through them as well. Children were taught to love and be good to each other (another big lesson taught in “Abby Sue, Where Are You?”).
The use of these books played a major role in my desire to write books to be used in those ways.
Next time we look at how God moved me once again to a new place and a task.
Biblical Inspiration: John 13:34 – A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
Biblical Inspiration: Matthew 7:12 – So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Biblical Inspiration: Proverbs 18:24 – A man who has friends must himself be friendly.
Lesson in a Nutshell: In order to have a friend, you must first be a friend.
Lesson in a Nutshell: Look up and familiarize yourself with Children Learn What They Live by Dorothy Law Nolte
Lesson in a Nutshell: Remember to say these things frequently to your kids: I’m praying for you, I love you and so does God, God will never leave you nor forsake you, God has great plans for your life, and you have been uniquely designed for a purpose. (Remember, all these things are implied in the story of “Abby Sue, Where Are You?”)
Get a free download of “101 Words of Affirmation Every Child Wants to Hear.”
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