I Believe You

Self-Care When Your Parent Struggles Emotionally

What if the child in your life is carrying a weight they can’t explain?

When a parent struggles emotionally, children often wonder, 'Did I do something wrong?' Without guidance, kids may feel guilt, shame, or confusion — all while keeping their worries bottled up inside.

That’s what Jack and Alice are facing at home. Some days, their mom is full of laughter and energy, but on other days, she can barely get out of bed. Unsure what’s happening, they begin to wonder if it’s their fault. With Gramma Kate’s gentle support, a nature walk, and heartfelt conversations, they learn that their mom’s struggles are not their fault. They also discover the importance of trusting their own feelings, seeking safe support, and remembering their worth, no matter what is happening around them.

Social Skill Themes Explored:

✅ Understanding that a parent’s mental illness is not a child’s fault

✅ Naming and expressing big feelings like worry, sadness, and fear

✅ Building self-worth and resilience in uncertain situations

✅ Learning how to share with friends and seek safe support

✅ Developing coping skills for when life feels overwhelming

📘 I Believe You is a life skills story for children ages 6–12 that gently opens conversations about family mental health in a safe, age-appropriate way. Ideal for parents seeking to comfort their child, teachers recognizing students' invisible struggles, and therapists guiding children through complex family dynamics.

📖 Why You’ll Love It:

8.5" x 8.5" trim size — easy for small hands to hold and teachers to share aloud
32 full-colour pages with engaging illustrations that children love
Durable glossy hardcover (also available in paperback) for long-lasting use
Activity included at the back: Your Shield of Strength — a creative tool kids build to feel safe, calm, and supported when life feels hard
Helps children understand that they are not to blame for a parent’s struggles
Builds resilience, self-worth, and healthy coping skills
Great for home libraries, classrooms, or therapy sessions

Hardcover: $29.99 CAD | Paperback: $17.99 CAD

Special Offer: Save 10% when you buy any 2 books

Save 15% when you buy any 3 or more

Price includes shipping

👉 Add this compassionate social skills story to your cart today and help the child in your life feel seen, supported, and safe.

What Readers Are Saying

This book has inspired children in classrooms, counselling rooms and homes around the world. Here's what teachers, counsellors, and families are saying about I Believe You.

"So many books focus on children’s feelings, but this one helps kids see the bigger picture of family mental health. I really appreciate that it covers a topic that’s so needed—it acknowledges that parents, just like kids, have emotions too, and sometimes, those emotions are hard to understand.

Sometimes I have a feeling that not every parent understands that children are incredibly perceptive, and when our emotions shift without warning, it can leave them feeling confused, worried, and even responsible (and they can not share this properly still!..). When this uncertainty repeats over time, it can deeply shape a child’s self-esteem, sense of security, and emotional development… and then, as adults, we find ourselves in therapy, trying to piece it all together.

The story explains these complex emotions gently, Gramma Kate brings warmth and wisdom, and I felt that it may provide the quiet reassurance every child in this situation wants to hear / to feel.

I will use this book with my little one and I’d recommend it to any parent, grandparent, or teacher looking to start conversations about these sensitive topics."

Stella M - United States (March 2025)

"This little book carries a big heart. I Believe You is written for kids, but honestly, the lessons in it are meaningful for anyone who’s ever had to navigate life with a parent who struggles with mental health issues.

It tells the story of a young child learning to take care of their own feelings while dealing with the tough reality of a parent's mental illness. What really stood out to me was Gramma Kate—her calm, supportive presence just made me think: Wow, I hope I have a Gramma Kate in my life. It would have been really nice to have someone like that growing up.

Even though it’s technically a children’s book, don’t let that fool you. The message is clear, simple, and powerful—reminding us all (at any age) that it's okay to feel, it's okay to ask for help, and we all deserve kindness and care, especially from ourselves.

This is definitely a book I’d be happy to gift to friends or family. Whether you're 8 or 38, there’s something in these pages that will stay with you."

Debbie Laurel - United States (April 2025)

"Gramma Kate invites Jack and Alice on a nature walk, she gently listens to their worries and helps them understand a powerful truth—their mother’s struggles are not their fault. Through the quiet wisdom of the forest and the steady strength of a lighthouse, she helps them see that their self-worth isn’t defined by their parent’s emotions.
This is a beautifully told story that embraces tough conversations with honesty and heart. It empowers children to seek support, feel seen, and know they are never alone. A heartfelt read."

Bella - United States (May 2025)

"I Believe You: Self-Care When Your Parent Struggles Emotionally by Cathy Barker is not only a lovely story, but also an informative and educational read. Realistically portraying ‘normal’ responses to stress or family upset, this book also provides steps for children to start understanding they are not to blame and building a healthier response to their situation, whether family-related or otherwise. It may also foster empathy and compassion for children’s friends who may be struggling with family issues."

The Duchess - United Kingdom (August 2025)

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