There is strong scientific evidence supporting the practices and activities we share in the Timbi books, and we are particularly drawn to those that help foster resilience. Read Timbi Talks aloud with the child in your care the first few times to be sure they understand the key points of the book. Let the child set the pace on physical closeness—some children need more space than others—and enjoy your time together.

Page by Page Review (Page numbers correspond to the pages in the book.)

(Items 1-4 are adapted from NACoA's Tools for Kids.1)

1. The affected parent did not choose the disease, but the disease can change how they behave, and their behavior can sometimes be strange or scary. (pp. 2-5, 8-10)

2. The child is not alone in their situation. There are many other children with a parent who struggles with substances. There is comfort in knowing that their situation isn’t unique, and there are professionals who understand what they are going through and know how to help. (pp. 6-7)

3. You and other safe adults in the child’s life are available to listen and support them. (p. 12)

4. The child did not cause the disease and is not to blame for the parent’s behavior or circumstances. The egocentrism and magical thinking that are developmentally normal² for young children can contribute to a sense that things happening around them are somehow caused by them or by something they did. The adult can point out times when the child makes their own choices to help illustrate that the parent’s behavior is separate from the child and is not caused by anything the child does. (p. 13)

5. Timbi labels emotions throughout the books. Labeling difficult emotions has been shown to diminish their intensity and duration.3

6. Children may not yet have the language to fully process challenging experiences and may instead experience emotional distress through physical symptoms.4 Trauma can also make it harder for a child to take in and hold onto new information5, which is why Timbi moves slowly, repeats key ideas, and offers simple choices rather than expecting a child to absorb everything at once. This impact often comes not from the addiction itself, but from related experiences like inconsistent caregiving, conflict, or harsh discipline6. Timbi tells them they can learn to listen to their body and be more in control of their reactions: (pp.14-15)

   • They can take some deep breaths7—the safe adult can explain that slow, deep breathing can help the body calm down. (pp.16-19)

   • Sitting on the floor or feeling your feet on the floor can be grounding,8 helping the child focus on physical sensations in the present moment. (pp.16-19)

   • The visualizations of the mountain and tree are helpful for children to feel more grounded. Research has shown that exposure to nature can have calming effects on the nervous system.9 They are loosely adapted from renowned Buddhist teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh's Pebble Meditation.10 (pp. 16-19)

   • Research shows that play supports brain development and strengthens self-regulation and executive function.11Additionally, physical activity is shown to have beneficial impacts on mental health. 12 However, immediately post-trauma, some children may be too shut down to engage in much physical play. (p. 20)

   • Singing is stress-relieving and therapeutic.13 (p. 21)

   • Hugging a pillow or other soft object is a form of self-soothing touch, which research suggests can help reduce the body’s stress response.14 (p. 21)

7. The emotions and feelings the child is having are perfectly natural in the circumstances. They are an automatic response to the situation. Emotions themselves are generally fleeting, but rumination can prolong emotional distress. The child can learn to recognize and interrupt rumination.¹⁵ Awareness is the first step. (p. 22)

8. Finally, the child can remember/learn that they are: (p. 23)

   • Good—this is not their fault.

   • Lovable and loved—you are present and there for them.

   • Strong and resilient— acquiring and practicing the skills presented in the book will help.

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The inside back covers of both Timbi Talks and Timbi Colors have an easily accessible list of skills and practices the child can work on—with caregiver encouragement—to continue fostering a sense of agency and control in their lives.

Janet Hellier, MS MHC