Why have we been burgled?

Being burgled can happen to anyone, even to a family who bathe in compost, polish their skin and grow when it rains! The burglars want to sell their ill-gotten gains, but a clever antique chair proves too hot to handle. Unusual fingerprints, disastrous DIY and a family of Treeples are just a few of the ingredients that make this wonderful tale comforting to children who have been victims of a burglary.

As a parent, I know how difficult it can be to find the best way to help your child with difficult and potentially traumatic experiences. This awareness of the issues children can face and the struggle parents have in finding ways to help their child motivated me to develop the 'Coping with Growing' series.

My experience with children has repeatedly shown me how useful stories are in helping children come to terms with 'life events' they've encountered. To create this series of modern fairy tales, I have combined characters children can relate to, exciting plots, humour and magic, blended with professional therapeutic input.

The beauty of stories is that they are versatile, lending themselves to modern-day life. And of course, the more a child listens to the story, the greater the benefit may be.

From the Coping with Growing series: modern fairy tales for life's big moments.

Recommended by

This story is recommended by Victim Support.

Written with a child psychotherapist

The Coping with Growing series is written with Christine Porter, an experienced child psychotherapist, and shaped by other professionals and education advisors.

How to use this story

Share the story at a calm time once your child is ready to talk, such as at bedtime. Listen together and let them ask questions about the family in the story. The more a child listens, the greater the benefit may be.

A guide for parents

Read our guide: How to Help a Child Feel Safe After a Burglary. You can also find helpful organisations on our Support page.

Questions parents ask

What age is Why Have We Been Burgled? for?

The Coping with Growing series is written for children aged 4 to 9.

When will it be available?

It is coming soon on Kindle and Audible.

What is the story about?

A family is burgled, but the burglars find that a clever antique chair is too hot to handle. Unusual fingerprints, disastrous DIY and a family of Treeples make this a comforting tale for children who have been victims of a burglary.

Where can I get help after a burglary?

Victim Support is a free, private charity that helps families after a burglary, including parents helping children cope. You do not need to report the crime to get help. See our Support page for more.