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THE IMAGINE PROJECT  by Dianne Maroney

THE IMAGINE PROJECT

Empowering Kids to Rise Above Drama, Trauma, and Stress

by Dianne Maroney

Pub Date: Nov. 1st, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-9889951-1-6
Publisher: Yampa Valley Publishing

A guidebook for adult caregivers of stressed and traumatized children.

The latest from Maroney (The Imagine Project: Stories of Courage, Hope, and Love, 2013, etc.) follows up the previous book in her series using a similar basic approach—tapping into the redemptive power of storytelling—and an optimistic attitude that “there isn’t anything that can’t be undone and healed with a lot of love, the right resources, and some work.” The book lays out, in clear, careful detail, definitions of such key concepts as emotional wellness and empathy and addresses the multifaceted nature of stress and trauma. The book discusses the many potential sources of everyday stress in kids’ lives—including peer pressure, sibling rivalry, and seemingly omnipresent social media—as well as extraordinary stressors, such as mental instability and abuse or neglect by others. In all cases, Maroney lays out steps and strategies, drawing on standard psychological approaches and techniques borrowed from both Western and traditional Eastern medicine, to assist adult caregivers in recognizing signs of stress and helping to alleviate them. Some are simple common sense, such as encouraging kids to get enough sleep, play, and exercise; others tout the virtues of having kids keep “Imagine Journals” to order and document their thoughts and experiences. The healing properties of “expressive writing” are extolled throughout, and the author is highly convincing when addressing the many benefits of encouraging young people to put thoughts on paper. But even readers unconvinced about that central tactic will find a great deal of useful information in these pages—particularly Maroney’s explanations of specific stressors and warning signs.

A comprehensive guide to the causes, manifestations, and treatment of stress in young people.