Running on Empty: Overcome Your Childhood Emotional Neglect
No Series
on Goodreads (10,099)
What’s inside...
This informative guide by Jonice Webb, a practicing psychologist with over twenty years of experience, helps individuals identify and heal from childhood emotional neglect so they can lead more connected and emotionally present lives. Running on Empty discusses the often overlooked issue of what didn't happen in one's childhood, and how these omissions can have profound consequences affecting adulthood. The book provides clear strategies for healing and includes a special chapter for mental health professionals.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
17-18
Length
227 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt when they were not listened to or their needs were ignored?
Can you share a time when you felt really understood by someone? How did that make you feel?
Why do you think it's important for everyone to express their feelings?
What are some ways we can show people that we care about their feelings and needs?
How would you help a friend who felt like they were being neglected or not heard?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before discussing, read the book together and let your child express their initial thoughts and feelings about the story.
Use empathetic listening and validate your child’s feelings and perspectives to build a deeper connection.
Encourage your child to relate the scenarios in the book to their own experiences, fostering personal connection to the themes discussed.
Guide the conversation with curiosity rather than correction to keep the discussion open-ended and non-judgmental.
Revisit the book’s themes after some days to check how your child’s understanding and feelings might have evolved or deepened.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and expressing emotions
Explanation: The book emphasizes the importance of recognizing and articulating one's feelings, as emotional neglect in childhood often leads to difficulty in these areas.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to identify their own emotions and express them in a healthy way, improving their interpersonal relationships and emotional well-being.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: Webb’s narrative encourages readers to consider the emotional states of others, highlighting how awareness can foster greater intimacy and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being considerate of their peers' feelings, leading to more compassionate interactions and friendships.
Example Lesson: Importance of self-care
Explanation: The book outlines the significance of caring for one's own emotional needs and the impact of neglecting them.
Real-World Application: Applying this lesson, children can adopt healthy habits to manage stress and promote personal happiness, understanding that their feelings matter.
Example Lesson: Seeking support when needed
Explanation: Webb encourages readers, who might have experienced emotional neglect, to reach out for support, illustrating the benefits of therapeutic interventions.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of asking for help from trusted adults when they are overwhelmed or confused, reinforcing that it's okay not to deal with everything alone.