Book Review: Bailey Beats the Blah (2013)

Book Review:  Bailey Beats the Blah (2013) by Karen Tyrrell

We know CBT works, but somehow it's difficult to describe how this works with children. A great book for parents, GPs, schools and psychologists working with young children. This is another great mental health book by Karen. Well done.

"Blah" a word to use, when you can't describe the yucky feeling. 

My psychological perspective:

Suitability for parents:

Particularly if it's your first child, parents aren't used to talking to little people about feelings. This book is a simple and short way to help parents and their offspring communicate emotional distress.

For children:

Topics presented are a great way as an "in" to discuss mental health issues with young people. Children aren't great at describing what's wrong. They often point to the same problems listed in the book - like tummy pains. When there is no word for them to describe this yucky feeling they have, the lack of energy of joy, "blah" is a great alternative.

My Christian Perspective:

Depression isn't a word we can find in the NIV version of the bible. Yet, we find that symptoms of depression are actively described in some of the most influential biblical characters. Moses, David, Solomon, Job, Paul. They are mourning, downcast, miserable. Sometimes it's helpful to be able to identify times of distress. And the bible tells us that Jesus is our friend and support in these times. I was so blessed to hear a testimony from a young child at my Children's Sunday School. Mother came up to me on Sunday and said, "sometimes I'm ashamed of the lack of faith I have compared to my daughter." She went on to describe a situation where her daughter was required to list people she could turn to when she was in trouble. Number 1 on the list was God. This was closely followed by police, her mother and her friends.

My overall rating: 

Excellent
This is a very useful resource or a decent use of time. 

I liked it, it does a great job of pinpointing what mood disturbance in young children look like. And best of all, there is a happy ending with practical ways parents and schools can help. Sometimes simple is best.

I was provided with a signed copy from the author- Good reads. It retails for $13.45 on Amazon or $3.99 on Kindle (Christmas sale!). Its aligned with Kids Matter national education program. 5% sales go to Kids Help Line.