Local Business Owner Writes Children Books to Help Kids Dealing with Big Stress
Monica Adimari Fyfe has a private practice in Torrance called Play 2 Learn and has recently written children books to help kids dealing with big stress. The therapy office specializes in neurodiversity and is affirming for all children, teens and parents support through play therapy, CBT and social skills groups. Her current passion project is writing and she has recently published two Children’s Books that she would love to share with families out there!
Community Spotlight: Local Author, Monica Adimari Fyfe
What inspired you to write these books?
I grew up loving creative writing and poetry. After working for 20 years, and raising my awesome Teens, I am more mindful to take time to do things that are creative for me, while helping others. I am excited to embed my years of clinical wisdom supporting kids plus tips I have learned along the way as a mom, to enhance my stories of inspiration and healing for children and families everywhere. Thus, my “Welcome to Petsville” therapeutic children’s series was born! In this series, there are featured Stories of Pets and the Humans They Help and Love, where each story features a beloved pet who gives advice to their kid, and saves the day!
What is one of your proudest moments?
One of my proudest moments was having a dear mom friend of mine quote back to me a tip to help Siblings get along, that turned out to be something she read in my book, “Sibling Shenanigans” in the Caregiver Tips section! It was so funny, we both laughed, and I was so glad it resonated with her who I value as a great momma, that made my day!
What can one expect when reading your books?
For my new books, I hope that families find that the child enjoys the stories, pets, illustrations and characters, and I hope that the parent or caregiver learns some strategies and ideas to continue modeling for their child, as they read the story together. Mutual learning with mutual enjoyment and connection are my goals!
Tell us a little about you
I grew up in El Segundo and I now live in Torrance. I am a mom of two teenagers, a child therapist, a Behavior Analyst, and a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, working and playing in Southern California.
How do you give back to the community?
I founded a charity called Our Village in 2015. We provide social supports to youth in our community. I also volunteer at my church, and with my daughter through the National Charity League. Volunteering and helping others is a huge lesson I hope I have modeled as important to my family and friends.
Anything else you would like us to include?
“Sibling Shenanigans” is the first book in a series called, “Welcome to Petsville.” Written by child therapist Monica Fyfe, each therapeutic story in the series will zoom in on a different family’s needs. Many important “kid life” issues will be shared in playful and relatable ways. Their beloved and trusted pets will be there to lend a paw, fin, or tail to help their fellow family members feel better, resolve an issue, and positively thrive, moving towards their own individual and family values. In this book, the dynamic duo cats, Leo and Lucy help brother and sister find common ground to have fun together again as siblings! “Tumbling Towers” is my 2nd book in the series. It is perfect for back to school as the focus is on childhood stress. This therapeutic story features a boy named Steven, who talks to his trusted German Shepherd dog named Puppy. Steven is dealing with big stress. He feels he has a lot on this tower, and it is beginning to feel wobbly… a few more blocks on top and he fears it will all fall down! Who can a kid turn to in times like these? In Petsville, the pets are there to help! Puppy is a great listener, but Puppy also gives Steven love and great advice too! Steven ultimately learns about his values, and how to cope with stress through balance, choices, and reaching out to his parents for help and connection. I hope you all pick up a copy and enjoy it as a family! There are tips for Caregivers at the end too! Thank you friends near and far for your support! xoxo
I would truly appreciate it if you can share this book with your friends and family and please leave an honest review on Amazon. It really helps get the word out to parents/grandparents/teachers/therapists and more, who can share these books with kids who need it. I have more books coming soon in this fun series! Stay tuned for books on Friendship, Self-Esteem, Making Health choices and more! All featuring a beloved pet! Any ideas for future story topics are welcome!
Monica works hard everyday providing counseling, but her hope is to reach more families with her book series this way, near and far!
Play 2 Learn
3858 W Carson St. #120
Torrance, CA 90503
