About the Book
A Story for Children, P-E-A-R-L-S of Wisdom for their Parents
Complemented by exquisite, colorful artwork, Dr. Zelinger skillfully crafts an easily relatable children's story using everyday situations, around the oppressive concept of Terrorism in the news. With masterful understanding of the child's world, new and frightening concepts are introduced carefully and gently, with the child's perspective in mind. Dr. Zelinger provides parent coaching to further the dialogue in her P-E-A-R-L-S of Wisdom section (Prepare, Explain, Answer, Reassure, Listen, Safeguard) where caregivers are given scripts to guide them, as well as room for individuality. This pioneer book helps children and parents face a critical, often avoided topic with reassurance and calm.
"This book provides the 'PEARLS' of wisdom for parents and children to discuss a scary topic like terrorism in ways that promote healthy and authentic parent-child conversations that yield to mutual respect and bonding."
--Marc A. Brackett, PhD., Director, Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence
"Deep and yet accessible, her remarkable deciphering of the psychological factors that hinder the free communication between parents and children on terrorism is compelling.This fascinating guide amounts to a riveting lesson of clarity and to a masterpiece in bridging the unbridgeable."
--Hon. Yehuda Lancry, Former Ambassador of Israel to the U.N.
"Please Explain 'Terrorism' to Me is a straightforward and down-to-earth treatment of a difficult subject. Dr. Zelinger uses common sense, a simple clarification of the basic issues, and reassurance to provide a deeper understanding of terrorism for kids--without a corresponding rise in anxiety."
--Thomas W. Phelan, Ph.D., Psychologist/Author,
Dr. Laurie Zelinger is a distinguished Board Certified Psychologist with Diplomate status in school psychology as well as a credentialed play therapist who serves on executive boards of state and and national organizations. Laurie is the author of the bestselling book Please Explain Anxiety to Me! Simple Biology and Solutions for Children and Parents, 2nd Edition
Ann Israeli is a retired art teacher, wall paper and textile designer.
Learn more at www.DrZelinger.com
From the Growing With Love Series at Loving Healing Press (www.LHPress.com)
About the Author :
Dr. Laurie Zelinger, Diplomate, is a Board Certified Psychologist with a specialty in School Psychology, and a Registered Play Therapist with forty years' experience. She is a licensed New York State psychologist who recently retired from a Long Island public school system and is now devoting her time exclusively to writing, consulting, and her busy private practice. Dr. Laurie's previous books include: "Please Explain Anxiety to Me: Simple Biology and Solutions for Children and Parents", The "O MY" in TonsillectOMY & AdenoidectOMY: How to Prepare Your Child for Surgery (in its second edition), A Smart Girl's Guide to Liking Herself Even on the Bad Days for American Girl, and a chapter on selective mutism in the compendium, School Based Play Therapy (second edition). She is also credited with being a consultant for the Bitty Baby book series by American Girl where she assisted in the development of the "For Parents" sections, as well as editorial development of another American Girl book. Dr. Laurie's interest in writing began in 4th grade, when a play she wrote was performed by students in her public school. Dr. Zelinger is a fellow and elected officer in the nationally based American Academy of School Psychology and spent four years on the Executive Board of the New York Association of Play Therapy. As a media referral specialist for the American Psychological Association, she has contributed to nearly 200 venues regarding child development. Dr. Laurie and her psychologist husband, Dr. Fred, are both certified Red Cross Disaster Mental Health volunteers. They have been happily married for over thirty-five years and have raised four children. You can learn more about Dr. Zelinger and her books at www.DrZelinger.com. Ann Israeli graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and began her art career as a textile designer. She worked designing wallpaper and home furnishings before moving on to a career in Women's and Children's knitwear designs, where she won many awards.
Review :
"This forthright and calming story clarifies the nature of terrorism for children ages 7 to 11. An afterword for parents offers guidelines for parents about how to dialogue with their children on this important topic. Highly recommended!"
--Charles E. Schaefer, PhD, RPT-S, Co-Founder and Director Emeritus, The Association for Play Therapy
"As a parent, it can be challenging and overwhelming to find the words to talk with your child about frightening and potentially traumatic events such as acts of terrorism. Please Explain 'Terrorism' to Me meets this need and is likely to become an invaluable resource for parents and other caregivers to help guide these critical conversations." --Christina Laitner, Ph.D. The Child Study Center, at NYU Langone Medical Center
"Please Explain 'Terrorism' to Me is a straightforward and down-to-earth treatment of a difficult subject. Dr. Zelinger uses common sense, a simple clarification of the basic issues, and reassurance to provide a deeper understanding of terrorism for kids-without a corresponding rise in anxiety."
--Thomas W. Phelan, PhD, Psychologist, Author 1-2-3 Magic!
"Dr. Zelinger provides caregivers with 'P-E-A-R-L-S of Wisdom' in her honest, developmentally appropriate approach to a terrifying topic. This book is an essential resource to ensure that children are provided straightforward information in a sensitive fashion to an issue, all too often ignored."
--Sarah Valley-Gray, PsyD, ABPP, President, American Academy of School Psychology
"Dr. Zelinger opens up the Pandora box of 'Terrorism' delicately and with great sensitivity as she brings awareness, tools and answers to children growing up in our ever changing world today. Dr. Zelinger's book magically fosters, promotes and encourages conversation and social skills. This is a powerful and valuable book for children and adults."
--Penny Ellis LIVE! Regis & Kelly 2nd Annual Top Teacher winner, 2011
"With bombings and shootings so frequently in the news, Dr. Zelinger's book is a timely source of guidance to parents on the importance of explaining terrorism to their children. It's full of great advice on listening thoughtfully and understanding your child's perspective."
--Dewey Cornell, PhD, Director, Virginia Youth Violence Project
