Introduction to Myself as a Child by Edie Mannion, Director:

The following story may be short, but it has some BIG ideas. One big idea is that kids often make choices that are rebellious whether or not the choices are good for them. Hopefully, as we grow, we learn to make wise choices that benefit us and don't lead to harm to ourselves or others.

The second big idea is that kids are more likely to listen to and obey adults who treat them with kindness, love and respect. Sometimes it is an aunt or grandmother or neighbor or teacher who does this for a child, rather than a parent, especially if parents have mental illness. What's important is that a child have SOMEBODY who makes them feel loved and special, somebody they can trust. Then they don't feel so alone or unlovable, and coping with the mental illness of a family member becomes a little bit easier.

Myself as a Child

I used to see myself when I was a little girl. But now that I'm grown up I can make choices of my own.

When I was little I was rebellious against everyone in my family but no one could tell but my aunt. My aunt used to tell me that I was a special kid and that I was a kind kid.

Thank you for listening to my story.