Why I started writing Feely Hoot

In my many years as a School Counselor, Prevention Counselor and Therapist, I had many groups for children dealing with addiction in the family. It was through these groups that one girl brought in a book that she had received from the treatment agency her parent was attending. She was so excited to share the book with the group and I was excited for her to share the information. I anticipated this book would be encouraging and empowering and was thinking it is just what this group needed. Once she started reading the book, I couldn’t believe what I was hearing and seeing. It depicted drugs as a Grim Ripper coming for her parent. I could tell from the faces in the group that this book wasn’t helping them understand the situation of addiction nor did it make them feel like they could do anything to cope through this situation. That is when I knew I had to write them a different story.

I wanted children to understand where their feelings were coming from and develop coping strategies around handling the time while their parent is in treatment in a more positive way. I also wanted children to learn that they can make a difference with others by sharing their stories. They don’t have to wait for the Grim Ripper to come anymore.