We hope that you and the children in your life will find these pages helpful.
In this book, we address a variety of issues that children with a parent struggling with addiction face. Through the eyes of Timbi, we are able to validate children's emotions by describing, naming and normalizing them. We also teach them to recognize the body’s responses to chronic stress and difficult feelings. Timbi provides suggestions and recommendations for coping in healthy, life-enhancing ways. Children learn to achieve a much-needed sense of control in their lives through movement, voice and mindful breathing exercises, and by seeking help from important, stable adults in their lives.
Together, word by word, Trish and Janet crafted the story of Timbi to ensure it was an authentic conversation with the children who live with the disease of addiction. Trish knew first-hand the pain and stigma attached to having a loved one who was addicted, and she witnessed the impact it had on her children from a very young age. It was important to her that the reality of the disease be addressed directly and validate what children are seeing and feeling. Janet brought her clinical knowledge as well as her deep appreciation for mindfulness practices, and how those practices can be especially helpful to people living within a chronically stressful environment.
Mackenzie has been drawing since she was a toddler, but it wasn’t until her senior year in high school that she decided she wanted to get serious with her craft and to study art. She is currently a student at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, majoring in New Media and Design. Mackenzie’s biggest reward for creating art is seeing the smile on peoples’ faces.
Lynette learned from a young age that her Etch A Sketch could take her just about anywhere she wanted to go creatively, and she never outgrew the creative freedom that came with it. Now, with 30 years of award-winning design work, she’s still amazed at how much fun she has every day.
TIMBI TALKS SHOP
$12.99
A 28 page book written to help children ages 3-12 who are coping with a parent's addiction.
$21.99
A 12 inch tall super-soft and cuddly companion.
$9.99
A 28 page book written to help children ages 3-12 who are coping with a parent's addiction and a soft cuddly Timbi character.
Tell us your story, make a connection, offer a comment, question, or all of the above!
We know first-hand how difficult it can be to find the right help for children who have a parent struggling with addiction. The resources shown below have been enormously helpful for us and we are sure they can be of use to you and your children as you learn to cope and even thrive in the face of your challenges.
Children and Mental Health Websites
National Association for Children of Addiction (NACoA)
Eluna Network (formerly The Moyer Foundation)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)