Chapter One
Our Children Are Wounded: In Chapter One we are introduced to Sheila, mother of eight-year-old Brandon and six-year-old Jennifer. Sheila rushes to get the kids home and get dinner ready for her volatile, abusive husband Tom. The water is boiling, the kids are running around the house, the laundry isn't folded; she hears the key turn in the front door... all hell's going to break loose but maybe the children won't see it happen... Sheila and her children live in fear of Tom's volatile temper and violent outbursts. This chapter paints the picture, and goes on to discuss the effects of this scenario on the children. We must realize that even if we shut the door or go into another room our children hear, feel and know that harm is being done to a person they deeply love... we must recognize that our children are wounded, even if they never see the violence or are never hit themselves. The Chapter goes on to help the adult victim (Sheila in the story) understand and accept that this is NOT okay, it's NOT her fault, and that staying does NOT protect the children. That she can do something to change this picture. |
|
