Darby Strickland – författare

When our children experience a traumatic event, we can feel powerless to help. We fear getting it wrong or reminding them of the hurt. Or we miss important cues that signal a child is in distress, leading us to address problematic behaviors with discipline or frustration.Counselor Darby Strickland wants parents to know that they are just the right person to help their child. After a distressing event, a parent's shepherding can play a vital role in their child's healing—helping them to feel loved by you and the Lord. You can help children navigate their fears, guide them through their distress, and assist their recovery. Your child does not need you to be an expert in trauma; your child needs you to engage with them as they suffer, pointing the way toward hope and healing.

Something Sad Happened helps children process their feelings after experiencing the death of someone they love and provides comfort through the story of Sunny the bluebird.Sunny is a little bluebird who loves to sing happy songs until the death of Wren. Sunny’s heart hurts because she misses her friend, and she doesn’t feel like singing anymore. But Sunny’s Mama and forest friends gather around her, teaching her how to share her sadness with God and others. Sunny learns to remember what she can count on about God’s love and care and all the love she shared with Wren.Darby A. Strickland uses the story of Sunny to help parents and caregivers walk with children through the complexities of grief and the questions that come with a loss. A special section at the end of the book gives parents tips for helping their children express their sorrow to God and offers ideas for remembering a loved one.

A Big Change Happened helps children who are facing a move, starting a new school, or adjusting to a new family dynamic process their feelings through the story of Wallace the whale.Wallace Whale loves his home in the warm blue sea near the green island where he and Mama sing, eat, sleep, and play. But one day, Mama tells him about a big change—they’re leaving for a long journey North! Wallace is worried and has so many questions: What will the North be like? Will he be okay? As they swim into the unknown, Mama gently reminds Wallace: Wherever you go, whatever you do, God’s love follows you.Counselor Darby A. Strickland uses the story of Wallace along with Psalm 139 to help parents and caregivers walk with children through big changes and the questions that come with those changes. A special section at the end of the book helps parents and caregivers guide their children through accepting their new situation and uses biblical truths to reassure children that God’s love never changes.

Grief is overwhelming, especially for children, who do not naturally know how to respond to loss. They need help to express the sadness, fear, and anger that comes after encountering death. Thankfully, God has given us a pathway through grief. He promises to lead your family up and out of the dark valley of grief.Darby Strickland, an experienced family counselor, guides you and your children through the sadness, disorientation, and struggles of grief. She shares two restorative practices to help you navigate an unwanted grief journey. The first is to help you and your children speak directly to the Lord about your sadness and to look for his comfort. The second is to give your family meaningful opportunities to remember your loved one, which will encourage healing and connection. Grief is a journey that doesn't come with linear directions—but it has a destination. God invites us to come to him, and we can help our children see that we grieve best when we grieve with God.

Change is hard for everyone, but the upheaval caused by major life changes is especially difficult for children. How can parents help their children navigate change in their lives?Bestselling author and biblical family counselor Darby Strickland provides parents and caregivers with biblical encouragement and practical tools to support children through big life changes. She shows them how to use Psalm 139 to anchor their family in God’s love, presence, and sovereign control. Whether children are facing a move, starting a new school, or adjusting to a new family dynamic, parents can point them to the steadfast care of the One who knows them and lovingly shapes their story. With God’s guidance and the intentional help of parents and caregivers, children can learn to face change with faith and confidence, resting in the truth that they are fully known, deeply loved, and never alone.

Becoming You for Girls is a Christ‑centered guidebook designed to help preteen girls understand, navigate, and grow through puberty—physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. Written in an accessible, warm, and encouraging tone, the book explains biological changes, emotional development, friendships, identity, safety, wisdom, technology, and faith, all while grounding each topic in biblical truth.Counselor Darby A. Strickland offers a trustworthy, gospel-shaped vision of growing up that goes beyond body changes to help children grow in wisdom, love, and godliness. Awkward or sensitive topics are handled with gentleness, dignity, and appropriate humor, helping girls feel safe, curious, and confident rather than embarrassed or afraid.Encouraging girls to embrace their identity in Christ and understand both what is happening and why God designed them this way, the book can be read independently or alongside parents, making it a valuable resource for fostering meaningful conversations about topics like personal safety and body image. An included appendix equips parents with conversation starters about physical and emotional changes, along with practical guidance for navigating even the most uncomfortable questions.