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If Only He'd Told Me: A foster Family Pushed To the Limits
Brody had been on the at-risk register since birth but was only removed from his alcoholic parents when he reached the age of six. Foster carer Mia Marconi was thrilled when he first arrived – a boy the same age as her son.
It can be so bewildering for foster children when they arrive. The older ones are usually withdrawn and sullen. The younger ones will be screaming, spitting at you, making themselves sick and throwing themselves on the floor.
For Mia, it’s normally her boisterous, happy children who provide the comfort at the beginning, because why should they trust another adult. Children always feel safe and secure when there are other children about. Mia believes it’s through making relationships with other children that they begin to trust adults again. But little did she know that six-year-old Brody was actually taking his anger and frustration out on her son. She quickly begins to realise the heavy price her family has had to pay. (Amazon.com)
It can be so bewildering for foster children when they arrive. The older ones are usually withdrawn and sullen. The younger ones will be screaming, spitting at you, making themselves sick and throwing themselves on the floor.
For Mia, it’s normally her boisterous, happy children who provide the comfort at the beginning, because why should they trust another adult. Children always feel safe and secure when there are other children about. Mia believes it’s through making relationships with other children that they begin to trust adults again. But little did she know that six-year-old Brody was actually taking his anger and frustration out on her son. She quickly begins to realise the heavy price her family has had to pay. (Amazon.com)
- GenresNonfiction
88 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2014
45 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 23, 2016
Brody
O
I was once a foster carer myself for eleven years under fives most of the time. Reading this story although no one as difficult as Rory looking in from the outside I can now see some of the children were so badly disturbed at times although my children were very good and loved having new placements to stay I can see certain patterns that I deffinately did not. See at the time. A story about a truly amazing foster mother
O
I was once a foster carer myself for eleven years under fives most of the time. Reading this story although no one as difficult as Rory looking in from the outside I can now see some of the children were so badly disturbed at times although my children were very good and loved having new placements to stay I can see certain patterns that I deffinately did not. See at the time. A story about a truly amazing foster mother
January 19, 2020
Great read
I loved reading this book and I am looking forward to read the next book. The UK is very lucky to have foster carers like mia
I loved reading this book and I am looking forward to read the next book. The UK is very lucky to have foster carers like mia
September 17, 2020
Good book
July 27, 2023
3 stars. I thought this book was good and I liked how the subject matter wasn’t something I’d ever read about before, but I just don’t find the writing style great. She writes well, but I felt like Marconi rushed over some parts; I know it was a short story that was meant to show what happened over several years but in places I felt like it was rushed. I would read another book by Marconi, but if I’m honest - I prefer Cathy Glass and Maggie Hartley books in this genre…
June 8, 2023
Quick read
Enjoyed the series wish it was longer, could've been more in depth. But then it wouldn't be a short story would it }:‑)
Enjoyed the series wish it was longer, could've been more in depth. But then it wouldn't be a short story would it }:‑)
January 29, 2025
Interesting
Great book. Well written. Foster carers are exceptional people who risk it all for someone in need. Very honest depiction
Great book. Well written. Foster carers are exceptional people who risk it all for someone in need. Very honest depiction
February 28, 2016
Admirable
This book is a story I think every person involved with CPS ( Child Protection Services) should read. All I can say is Thank you Mia for what you have done for the foster kids in your life. Also, thank you for teaching your own children the true meaning of unconditional love.
This book is a story I think every person involved with CPS ( Child Protection Services) should read. All I can say is Thank you Mia for what you have done for the foster kids in your life. Also, thank you for teaching your own children the true meaning of unconditional love.
May 1, 2022
It is sad but shows that no matter how much love you give sometimes it is not enough. It is hard to see the damage done unconsciously to her family by not being willing to give up on the him. It is also sad to see that despite it all she was helping he just didn't want to see it. Sometimes you need to look after yourself and those you love!
March 1, 2015
A horrible story about a horrible foster mom who lets a little boy terrorize her family without repercussions. They don't get him therapy and don't put him in a secure unit at school even though he is constantly running away from it.
February 4, 2015
This book
It ending was not good....making you feel like there was more that was not told I was sad it ended like it did.....
It ending was not good....making you feel like there was more that was not told I was sad it ended like it did.....
March 18, 2015
It was OK. Not bad but not good either.
November 26, 2015
Wipe never know
Having first hand experience with situations such as this, it was a very well told story. Sometimes nothing matter how you want to help it is not possible.
Having first hand experience with situations such as this, it was a very well told story. Sometimes nothing matter how you want to help it is not possible.
August 25, 2016
A good read
Would recommend for a short read,I got completely hooked and couldn't put the book down. Def a good read anytime
Would recommend for a short read,I got completely hooked and couldn't put the book down. Def a good read anytime
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews