A story has the power to normalize a child’s situation, validate his or her feelings, and teach skills to help a person face the challenges of life. Reading with a child can start a conversation that may guide them toward resolving a mental health challenge.
Bibliotherapy, or reading therapy, is “therapeutic use of literature” with guidance and intervention typically provided by a mental health professional (Forrest, 1998). Benefits of bibliotherapy include increased empathy, improved self-concept, and strengthened social and coping skills (Pehrsson, 2015).
Whatever your role is in a child’s life, you’re likely reading this because you care about a child. You want to help that child face his/her problems and overcome. Just like adults, children often struggle with anxiety, self-esteem, acceptance, communication, anger, and adjusting to change. Reading is one of many strategies people have found helpful in the healing process.
Of course, reading a good book cannot resolve all of life’s problems. Some challenges require professional care from a licensed therapist or psychologist. If you’re not sure where to start, check out PsychologyToday.com to find a qualified mental health professional near you. You can also ask your child’s pediatrician or school counselor for a referral.
The use of bibliotherapy with children is intended to help children understand their feelings, learn those feelings are normal and experienced by others, spark conversations, and encourage problem-solving and application of coping skills (Davies, 2003).
As Dr. Ross Greene (2008) puts it, “Kids do well if they can.” Children’s misbehavior can often be attributed to a skill deficit. A story is a natural and fun way to teach children the social and coping skills they need for life. Once you’ve identified the area in which a child could use some skill-building, the next step would be to find a few relatable books.
ReadRestore is a growing resource with books organized by topic and free downloadable guides (with discussion questions and activities) for each recommended book. We’ve done the work to save you some time. When you’ve decided on a book (or a few), check your local library, used bookstore, or a reputable online source like Amazon for a copy of the book.
Here’s to healthy minds and spirits!
Davies, Leah (2003). Using bibliotherapy with children. Retrieved from http://www.kellybear.com/TeacherArticles/TeacherTip34.html
Forrest, Margaret E. S. (1998) Recent developments in reading therapy: a review of the literature. Health Libraries Review, 15, 157-164.
Greene, Ross W. (2008). Lost at school: Why our behaviorally challenging kids are falling through the cracks and how we can help them. New York, NY: Scribner.
Pehrsson, Dale-Elizabeth (2015). Bibliotherapy: Everything you need to know in a nutshell. Central Michigan University. Retrieved from https://portfolios.cmich.edu/user/pehrs1d/presentation