I really did not think about writing a children’s book.
Until my beautiful son Michael, who is our youngest child, asked me some pretty big questions about his sister, Elizabeth.
He knew his sister has special needs and he knew about her therapies.
He knew that he worked pretty darn hard each day.
And he knew that he needed to help her sometimes.
But he asked the big questions:
-Why are things hard for her to do?
-Why does she get so frustrated?
-Should I just do things for her or make her do them herself?
-Why doesn’t she like to try things?
It was when I was answering these questions that it hit me. This conversation that I was having with my son was probably one that so many others needed to have with their typical children.
It was probably one that many other families might be wondering how to start.
It was one that many other families could use a little help with.
So it was then that I had the idea for my second book and it was then that I began to write
My book is based on real life situations from our life with Elizabeth. It is told from the eyes of Emily, who is our oldest child.
In the book, there is information about Sensory Processing Disorder(SPD) and Dyspraxia, that can hopefully be used to start conversations with younger children and help them understand their siblings better.
I wanted my book to show that there are things siblings can learn and then do to help their sister or brother. Because if everyone works together then only good can come of it.
The hope of my book was to tell our story and help others.
My conversation with Michael about his sister did not end that day, it is on-going. We made it clear to him that he should always talk to us and ask us questions at anytime.
We want to have good communication because as a sibling to a special needs child, there are a lot of emotions to deal with and having honesty and open communications are so important.
This key point is in the book as well.
Here is one review of my book that I am especially proud of.
“How sweet is this story? How lovely that Emily loves Elizabeth so much even from page 2, Emily “does miss having her sister around.’ Obviously, Elizabeth (the sister) takes a lot out of Emily’s life. Emily misses time with Mom and Dad and later we find out how embarrassing it is for her to have a sister with a disability. But what is wonderful about this book is the hope it conveys. Emily ends up talking to Mom and Dad (focus on what is gained from honest communication) and Emily ends up getting so much support from her parents too (focus on what is gained from honest relationships). The girls become ‘the best of friends’. Michele Gianetti even leaves us with a gift; Elizabeth ‘side-stepped the girl drama of the tween years!” So really that is the best news about SPD . . . with support and love so much can be overcome. ? Michele Gianetti’s book is a winner; with empathy and authenticity, she has hit the ball out of the ball park. A MUST READ!”
Lucy Jane Miller, Ph.D, OTR
Founder, STAR Institute for SPD
Clinical Professor, Dept. of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Denver
Professor of Pediatrics, Rocky Mountain Colorado
I hope you will take a peek at the book on our site, maybe it is something that will help you start that conversation yourself.
I wish you all a peaceful week.
Michele
Special Needs Essentials Blog 