Love Letters: Responding to Children in Pain by Doris Sanford. Epiphany-OviedoELCA library section 8 L; Life Skills: Self-Esteem, Life Challenges, Special Needs. This book was written to help us learn to respond compassionately to children suffering the pain of grief, a parent’s alcoholism, low self-esteem, divorce, a grandparent with Alzheimer’s, foster care, adoption, sexual abuse, and a life-threatening illness. What we say in times like these can either comfort or cause more suffering. What we say can even tip a child over the edge into depression, drug abuse or suicide. So we’d better know what to say, how to respond, in all sorts of situations.
The author devotes a chapter to each of the challenges listed above, and includes letters sent to her organization, Heart to Heart. These letters from children in their own handwriting wring our hearts and ask some very philosophical questions: Why? Did I do something wrong to deserve this? If God loves us, why won’t God make it stop? Sidebars explain children’s common responses to each challenge, how they feel about the challenge, what we should avoid saying, and what we ought to do and say to comfort and strengthen children.
We’ve all wondered what to say to children in response to life’s most difficult challenges and I am sure, like me, you have later hit yourself over the head, saying, “Why did I say such a stupid thing?” or “Why did I avoid the issue?” Sound familiar? This book tackles the problem with finesse and compassion, and it’s excellent for all parents, teachers, medical personnel, and church members – anyone who comes in contact with children and cares about them. ( )