I Can Fix This: And Other Lies I Told Myself While Parenting My Struggling Child

5 | 268 ratings

Price: 13.78

Last update: 11-28-2024

About this item

From the author of Hold On, But Don’t Hold Still, the emotionally charged and eye-opening account of a mother who navigates the cacophony of best practices and urgent advice from parenting authorities in search of a way to support her teen as he maps his own path to mental health.

When Kristina Kuzmič started to see signs that her otherwise sunny, resilient teenage son was struggling, she was sure a few simple fixes could right the ship. But over the following months, the issues her family faced became more nuanced, complicated, and pervasive than she could've predicted—and what began as a clear to do list spiraled into an emotionally fraught and seemingly endless push and pull between signs of progress and overwhelming fear.

Despite her best efforts, Kuzmič had internalized a set of obligations, ideas, and unrealistic standards from parenting culture and social media that left her unprepared to guide her child when he needed her most. Featuring an urgent and affirming foreword by renowned and New York Times bestselling clinician Dr. Shefali Tsabary—Kuzmič's new book debunks ten "parenting truths” that kept her in crisis, and delves into her insecurities and the mistakes she made to reveal invaluable lessons and transformative approaches that worked.

While her family stands on the other side now stronger than ever, Kuzmič's journey calls to parents who have felt the instinct to say “I can fix this” in situations where good intentions far exceed our abilities to enact change.

Julie M. Chien

Honest, raw, heartfelt and life-changing

Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2024

I raced through this book in one day - I couldn't put it down. We all face struggles but often feel so alone in our struggles. Kristina Kuzmic and her son, Luka open up their hearts and share the heavy struggles they had as a family through Luka's mental health diagnosis. As moms, we all would like to think we can fix this for our kids, whatever this might be, and Kristina walks us through everything she felt and experienced and learned. Reading this book was all the things - comforting, enlightening, heartfelt, educational, painful and even lighthearted. I think everyone should read this book.

Brooke Dodson

Honest

Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2024

Another wonderful book from Kristina, though this one has a much different feel than her last. Her story of her son’s struggles, from the parent’s perspective, left me in tears many times. Her writing makes me feel as if we’re just sitting at the table with a cup of tea, sharing and consoling. She has a great way of expressing the worst times of her life, in a hopeful and helpful way.

Christine Frazier

Not just for struggling children

Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2024

My kids are still young but I found so much amazing advice in this book, not only for parenting them now, but as they grow. I also found a lot of advice and support for things I am going through or have gone though. It’s like a self help book without realizing it’s a self help book. Like talking to an older sister with more lived experience who shares her wisdom over a cup of coffee. It’s raw. It’s real. You’ll laugh and you’ll cry. Thank you Kristina and Luka for sharing your beautiful, messy, hard experience with the world and helping others not feel so alone and ashamed as they struggle with mental health.

S. Rollins

Not just for parents of struggling teens

Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2024

I cannot remember the last time I have read a book in a day. This was easy to read, raw, and inspiring. It’s an important read, not just for parents of struggling teens but for parents in general. In addition to their story, it’s full of things she learned along the way on not just helping her son but things she learned and put into practice for helping herself get through a few very difficult years.

Jessica Bowers

This book should be required reading!

Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2024

Too often we wait until we are in a crisis to look for help. This book is capable of providing, literally, life-saving tools to any expectant or new parent before they find themselves scrambling and trying to start from scratch. Of course, the topics in this book aren't your typical baby shower rapport. However, that is the point. Kristina stresses the importance of making sure these scenarios are included in the parenting dialogue. When we sign up to be a parent, just like every other contract, we shouldn't skip over the fine print. It is usually the most imperative part in setting realistic expectations and provides instructions for handling the exceptions. This book is valuable not only regarding parenting, but anyone struggling with mental health issues. Luka's story provides insight into the ups and downs of depression and gives hope to those who feel like giving in to it. Any young adult would benefit from gaining his perspective, whether they can relate it to themselves or someone they encounter who needs support. Thank you both so much for this insight and honesty.

John Parish

Real raw and inspiring

Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2024

Kristina makes sense of a tragic family story. She writes this is a love story. It is a truthful look at how many of us mistakenly believe we can fix someone. The distress of not being able to make things better for those we love. Kristina is honest about what worked what did not how she came to grow herself in this trauma. These truths apply to many situations,not only in helping a loved one struggling with mental health issues. Please read this then give to someone who needs to know keep showing up and finding how to show love in the way the struggling person needs. You are doing it and you can continue. Home run book. Thanks for sharing your family’s story of love

Sarah Amos

If there were 10 stars, I would give it a 10!

Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2024

One of the best books I have ever read. Tears streamed down my face. Powerful and inspiring. I hope she wins an award for this book. It is definitely life changing.

Jessica

Real & Raw & Honest

Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2024

This book was so real, raw, honest, and relatable. I highly recommend it for anyone who has a child struggling with mental illness, or any loved one struggling, really. In addition to feeling like I wasn't so alone as a parent, there were so many moments & opportunities throughout the book for self reflection & growth.

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