Recommended reading from the professionals
Nowadays, there is certainly no shortage of self-help books on subjects like bullying, sibling rivalry and self-esteem.
However, the quality of these books varies enormously and it was sometimes difficult for health and social care professionals to recommend suitable reading materials for families.
The Child and Family Bibliotherapy Scheme, launched earlier this year, ensures that families get accurate, up-to-date and well-written reading materials, which have been reviewed by both professionals and other parents.
The thirty recommended books cover a wide range of issues including anger, bereavement, bullying, confidence and self-esteem, divorce, sibling rivalry and managing behaviours.
Families do not have to buy the books, but are given a written recommendation slip for a specific book or books by their healthcare professional. Families are entitled to borrow the book from their local library for up to eight weeks free of charge. There is no requirement for individuals to join the library.
"This scheme ensures that families are not gathering misinformation from unreliable sources," said Dr Liz Gregory, Head of Clinical Psychology for Child and Family Services. "Families can be confident that every book on this list has been assessed thoroughly for its quality, accuracy, usefulness and readability."
There is at least one copy available in every Gwent library and inter-library loans can be organised.