Amy Ledoux

Sad Scared Confused. Amy Ledoux

Sad, Scared, Confused is a conversation between a nine year old boy and his parents about sexual abuse. This book can be a resource to educate all children about sexual abuse whether they have experienced it or not. It can be a tool to prevent sexual abuse as well as an aid in guiding conversations and healing when abuse has occurred. In this book, Alex did not realize that when his friend's older brother touched him in a way that made him feel sad, scared and confused, it was sexual abuse. Alex left his friend's house and when he arrived home his parents noticed that he was not acting like himself. They were concerned when he sat quietly on his bed and would not talk to them. However, his parents persisted and through their patience, love and even their sense of humor, they were able to assure Alex that their love for him was greater than the pain that he was feeling inside. Once Alex decided to tell his parents what happened, he no longer felt sad, scared and confused. Instead, he knew that he was brave, safe and loved. I wrote this book just as much for children as I did for the adults who love them. Parents are always navigating their course when raising their children. When sexual abuse happens, it may seem like an unexpected detour but it does not mean that your boat will sink! How you respond to your child's experience can help get you and them back on course. I hope this book can be a compass to help guide you toward healing so that you and the child you love can both know that you are brave, safe and loved.