There’s NO Such Thing as a Dragon
There's No Such Thing as a Dragon: A Tool for Therapy and Socio-Emotional Skill Building
"There's No Such Thing as a Dragon" is a delightful book that was introduced to me during grad school. It tells a whimsical story about a small dragon that enters Billy Bixbee's life and gradually grows into a much larger dragon as the story progresses. This book can be used therapeutically to teach and discuss with children the importance of acknowledging feelings, thoughts, or behaviors before they become unmanageable.
Discussion Prompts and Themes
While reading this book, it can be helpful to ask your child questions such as, "How do you think the dragon keeps getting bigger?" You can also suggest that the dragon's growth might be due to it being ignored. In the beginning of the book, Billy's mother dismisses the dragon by saying, "There's no such thing as a dragon." As a result, the dragon continues to grow larger. By the end of the story, when Billy acknowledges the dragon's existence and pats it on the head, the dragon shrinks back to its small size. This moment can serve as an analogy to discuss the importance of addressing your child's needs before they become overwhelming.
Developing a Plan for Acknowledging Needs
When creating a plan with your child to address their needs before they become too big to handle, consider these suggestions:
Knowing when to ask for help.
Journaling or drawing to express feelings.
Creating a "calm down corner" to help big feelings or behaviors return to a manageable size.
Having a daily, scheduled check-in time with your child to ensure their needs are regularly acknowledged.
Parental Awareness and Proactivity
As a parent, guardian, or caregiver, you can also use this book to recognize when your child may need attention. Often, children express their needs through tantrums, loud behavior, or demanding attention. Instead of waiting for these outbursts, you can be preventative and proactive by providing space and time for your child to be acknowledged for their accomplishments, efforts, and continual growth. Aim to be an encourager for your child, so they don't constantly feel the need to demand your attention.