Lizzy Lives In An Angry House: Learning to Thrive In the Midst of an Angry Environment

Book Synopsis: Karen Addison, educator, author and speaker, has witnessed and experienced the devastating effects of emotional and verbal abuse. Many have not addressed this form of destruction in relationships because it is difficult to talk about and difficult to understand. Often people don’t realize they are in emotionally destructive relationships, and this is especially true of children. If they are living in a home where a parent is “scary angry” and emotionally destructive, chances are the other parent is struggling to cope with that person, as well as the negative dynamics in the home. With wisdom and practical experience, Addison gives readers young and old alike an empathetic approach to recognizing emotionally destructive (scary angry) relationships and tools to help those living in “scary angry” homes overcome and break the cycle of abuse. Readers will learn to identify unhealthy behaviors and attitudes that make up a destructive relationship and actions meant to punish and control. They will come to understand the abuse (“scary anger”) is not their fault and be taught the foundations of a healthy relationship. Readers will also learn how to turn down the angry person’s voice and turn up the healthy words and support from people in their webs of support. This practical resource will help countless children, families and trusted adults make sense of an angry parent, show how to love them and still be able to stand up and speak up, and teach ways to keep themselves safe. Lizzy Lives In An Angry House is unique in that there are very few resources available that speak specifically about verbal and emotional abuse from a child’s perspective. Addison has children who have experienced emotional and verbal abuse share their feelings and what works in helping them heal and overcome. Some of the most powerful elements in the book are the illustrations drawn by youth living in angry homes. Because almost all abuse begins with emotional and verbal assault, it is imperative that children understand at an early age what constitutes a healthy relationship and the characteristics of a destructive relationship. Addison and Lizzy offer hope, healing, and life-changing truths. They are living proof that you can come out of an emotionally destructive environment with strength, confidence, hope, and health.