You Are Not Alone: Hope for Hurting Parents of Troubled Kids

As a hurting parent this book is so essential! When I read the chapter on Fear, I had woken up that day fearful and anxious and this was exactly what God wanted me to read. I love how Dena reminds us that no matter what happens God never abandons us and we won't be alone, how we can let go of the false belief that even if our child is never ok that our children have to be ok before we can be ok and that I can be ok because of HIM and somehow I would survive because of HIM. These powerful words spoke to me right where I was at that day. She also talks about how facing our fears strips them of their power in our lives and sets our hearts free and offers ways to cope with our fears. I love how she incorporates her daughter Rene's thoughts and insights in the book - this is so helpful hearing Rene's perspective & advice to parents. Dena's style of writing is so compassionate, so insightful & I love how she offers scripture to go along with each topic as well. I definitely recommend if you are a parent suffering to read this book!

I'm so grateful Dena decided to share her own experience with her child with us in this book. With a wonderful empathic heart, she has helped me think through my own experience. Her book helped me to define what I was feeling and and gave me pratical steps to know how to process my feeling in healthy ways. A special part of her book is when her daughter shares her perspective of what was going on. This encouraged me to think about what my child's perspevtive might be and to gain so much more understanding of what my child has gone though. Thank you Dena for your wonderful book; in may ways, it is a lifesaver.

We have a daughter who has struggled with destructive behavior for more than 10 years. The first time it happened, we were so focused on her "getting better", that when things became "normal" I thought, "OK, I am good now." Then things fell apart again 18 months ago. The months since have been a devastating season for me as a Mom (What did I do wrong?). Living under an umbrella if guilt, shame, isolation and fear for our daughter's well being, has cost my marriage, and our other children, many years of happiness. I have been living on a sad merry go round that I could't seem to get off of! My happiness was tied directly to the choices my daughter was making, and that was a destructive place for me to be. The "If Only's" were becoming debilitating. Dena's authentic account of her journey has helped me in many ways. It was like she was reading my mind! I have come to accept: I am not perfect and that's OK; none of us are. I am not alone. I am going to be OK, no matter what my daughter continues to choose. We have renewed Hope. The practical tools in this book helped me let go of my guilt, my shame, my fear of the future, and I am beginning to live my life again. Thank you, Dena!

You Are Not Alone is a beautifully written supportive book for parents concerned about their teens or adult children. Using the strength of her faith, Dena shares her struggles with her daughter Reneé and how it impacts her family. Reneé weighs in and reflects on her experiences with her issues at different points in her life, which is helpful for the reader. The book gives valuable insights and encouragement, including the importance of staying resilient and the power of hope and gratitude. Dena includes many resources so the reader can learn more and has provided a book that is so needed!

This is an AMAZING book. I can't remember the last time I read a book that was this REAL and encouraging. There are so many helpful words in this book. When no one seems to understand, Dena Yohe beautifully illustrates how soothing it is to be in the counsel of those who have been through the battle. This book grounded me and I'm so grateful to you!! Keep making a difference and shining God's love and grace!

Very helpful. As a parent of a troubled-young adult, I feel her pain. Her honesty was refreshing. The chapters on Fear and Worry, Disappointment and Forgiveness and exhaustion were all especially helpful. This is an important book for a growing part of our society.

I have been deeply moved and inspired by this book-the authors have lived this life to a ‘T’ As I’m reading, I can see that there are extremely eerie similarities that are yet comforting to hear because of the Great Hope in our Lord and Savior for this family. As scripture tells us ‘theres nothing new under the sun’ and one can truly feel this when reading this book. You Are Not Alone is a real life, real journey, real emotional of a family that has shared mirrored situations and understand the seasons of parenting a troubled child. A game-changer for me! The Lord has used your pen to the paper to write your story to impact His people for His Glory! Thank you for sharing with the world- you have for sure brightened my path to see this for what it really is.

This is a necessary read for any parent who is currently or previously gone through traumatic issues with wayward children. Dena’s insight and transparency touched my heart and opened my eyes to so many realistic things I could do starting today to begin a recovery period for myself. I have been lost in a battle with a prodigal adult child for more than ten years and honestly felt like I was at the end of my rope. This book has given me hope and encouragement that I desperately needed. God knew I needed this. Thank you Dena! I highly recommend this book!!!