Books for parents and caregivers

The story of the books

I Wish I’d Known: Young People, Drugs and Decisions

When the Covid-19 pandemic struck in 2020, DSM Foundation founder and director Fiona Spargo-Mabbs OBE began writing the book she wished she’d been able to read before her son Dan died. Hence the title ‘I Wish I’d Known’ which recreates and expands on the workshops the DSM Foundation provides for parents and caregivers, bringing with it the passionate commitment to prevent others going through anything even the tiniest bit similar to what Fiona – and the rest of Dan’s family and friends – went through.

‘I Wish I’d Known’ interweaves the story of a family’s terrible loss with calm and practical advice, drawing on evidence to explore the risks posed by drugs and alcohol. There are tips on staying safe, strategies to help manage risk, information on reducing harm, and talking points for parents to engage with their children on what can feel a tricky topic to discuss.

Endorsements:

Gabby Logan about the impact that a DSMF talk had on her daughter and her thanks to Fiona for writing I Wish I’d Known:

Victoria Derbyshire on her admiration and respect for Fiona and for the profound and practical information within I Wish I’d Known:

Dr Suzi Gage on the importance of this evidence-based book to all parents:

A young person’s perspective

Three of our Youth Ambassadors at Epsom College chat with Fiona about the importance of I Wish I’d Known to them and their parents:

A parents’ and teachers’ perspective

Andy, Sarah and Danielle speak with DSMF Drugs Educator Asha Fowells about their reflections on I Wish I’d Known:

Talking the Tough Stuff with Teens

‘Talking the Tough Stuff with Teens’ soon followed, and is broader in scope, exploring how to enable conversations between parents and their children that are constructive, collaborative and positive, despite the topic being challenging. This book draws on the workshops and focus groups Fiona has had with young people and their caregivers, giving a framework for tackling the everyday (curfews, screen time) to the really tricky stuff (sex, self-harm, suicide), without judgement but instead with compassion and warmth. It gives context and insight, as well as prompts and practical suggestions and strategies to make communication a two-way street.

Fiona comments: “My hope is that this will be a book that is useful for every family, and across the generations, bringing insight, understanding and practical strategies so that conversations at home enable pre-teens and tens to live happily, healthily and safely, and grow into confident, independent adults – and ones that still enjoy conversations with their parents.”