His mother very much sounded demon possessed. That's not just postpartum or had a bad childhood. She was a whole another level of insatiable evil. I'm so glad David's life was spared.
Dave's books had such an important impact on me, they taught me to fully appreciate my parents despite their flaws and to keep an eye out on other kids around me, because you never know who could need help. An extremely powerful author and I'm glad he's still sharing his story
"A Child Called It" really helped me cope with my own horrific child abuse. It made me stop feeling sorry for myself and stop focusing on all the things I didn’t have. It taught me that no matter what you've been through, you can get past it and create a normal life for yourself. And it taught me that no matter how bad you think your childhood was, it could have been worse, so stop being a victim.
I was a foster kid for a few years (age 9-11, myself and two of my siblings were eventually adopted by realitives, my twin brother's unfortunately were trapped in a facility until they turned 18 and then idk what all happened to them after that. They're 28 now and I only regained contact with one of them back in 2018, and the contact hasn't been consistent) during my childhood. It wasn't because of abvse or anything like that, we were just poor, and our home burned down. I'm the oldest of five and my mom had me at 17, the twins were severely autistic and she worked three jobs. My youngest brother was barely a year old or so when everything happened and the only memory he has of our mother is her funeral, She ended up taking her life when I was 16 over what happened to us. Anyways, when I was in I think maybe 4th or 5th grade, my teacher assigned me to read a child called it, glennis before and after (different author, similar theme) and a few other books for my spring break reading assignment. Those books traumatized me at the time 😅 I was like dang lady you read foster kid and just assumed it was like that?! 😂😂🤦🏻♀️ but I'm glad she gave me that assignment in the end, those books have stuck with me my whole life, and similar to your story, it really helped strengthen my character and helped me not to pity myself too much. I really missed my home and my family and it wrecked my life for a long time (I still have complex PTSD from it, but I'm far more regulated/healed now than how I was even through my teen years) being away from them, I cried myself to sleep for missing them many nights, but through the years I remember these stories and even in those moments, it really gave a broader perspective. My teacher's name was Mrs. O'Neal. I still remember her face all these years later (I'm pushing 40 now lol)
Playing the victim? This comment is upsetting because nobody knows my story and believe me it's way worse than child called it. I'm lucky to be alive I was forced to clean the bathroom with bleach and ammonia, I was starved beaten and forced to wash clothes in a bucket, fed dog feces and forced to stand in a corner with my legs bent and arms up while my siblings pinched me and if I moved I was beaten with a metal spoon so don't say what you said again because not everyone can cope
So i was sold into sexual slavery from 3 to 12. When i got out of it my aunt gave me this book. I read it at 12 and between my own personal views of protecting those i loved, even if they didnt love me correctly and being the opposite of those who hurt me, and the messages in his books, it helped me solidify who i am. And bc of that i was able to help ppl in person instead of staying a victim.
Wow his book I read when I was 14 and it finally put words to what I was going through with my mom. The mustard gas thing I did not experience but similar enough. I felt less lonely. This book had an impact on me leaving and getting emmancipated at 16. It is incredible to see the cross on his neck. I just had a born again experience recently myself and so much of this healing work cannot be done without Jesus. Man. I am going to have to digest this interview slowly for how much this book impacted me in that way.
Dave’s story has such an impact. I read Child Called It when I was in middle school and I never forgot about it. It’s hard to imagine that an innocent child had to endure that. It makes me so happy to see him today, though.
Yeah, I read it when I was maybe 12? Ish? And it made me feel so sad and alone. It gave me nightmares. I slept with my parents for several months after reading that book. I told them I was having bad dreams. When they finally told me I’d have to go back to my own bed, I slept with the dogs and cat. To this day, I sleep with my dogs. That’s how that began for me. I don’t regret reading it, but it was a tough few months. Never talked to my folks about it, other than once asking my mother why any parent would abuse their child. And my mother launched into a campaign to try to extract from me which of my friends might be getting abused. She was certain that I was aware of abuse of a schoolmate or something. I just didn’t know how to tell her I’d read that book. My mother is one of the most emotionally sensitive people on earth, to a fault, and I didn’t think she could handle knowing that I read these things.
I read David's books in grade 7 and into highschool and then found his brothers book. I lived in extremely stable, loving enviroment with two parents that went to the ends of the earth for us. So I've never personally experienced the level of abuse David went through. But it gave me such an insight into what happens behind closed doors. I'll be forever grateful for David's bravery to share his story. In the light of Gabriel Fernandez and other children, I think this book needs to be recirculated for people to understand the warning signs of child abuse.
It's this idea that to curse someone, wish them in Hell - It's actually a really bad thing to do. At the same time, his ability to wish this is astounding. I'm completely blown away
Forgiveness isn’t just for the other person. It’s a part of healing for you. Nobody should wish Hell on anyone. Ask the Lord for help with forgiveness.
I too am struggling with forgiveness. I admire that we can wish heaven for his abuser. I've had people do much less drastic stuff to me and I'm working through forgiveness to heal myself. He is a wonderful example I hope I can learn from.
When I was in 7th grade, I swear I saw everyone being assigned “A Child Called It” except for my particular English class. My classmates would never stop talking about the book. I didn’t actually read the book until I was 23-24, a few months after I had my first son. It absolutely broke my heart to read his story while sitting next to my own son. Dave’s story is so sad but also incredibly powerful. I hope he continues to touch the lives of others through sharing his story. ❤️
I wish you asked him about his faith and testimony! I would have loved to hear how he found God! But this was a very special interview and I enjoyed his joy in the suffering. ♥️
As a child of abuse and neglect, while a classmate of mine read the book she described what she read, and because of that I couldn’t bring myself to read his book also. I always figured, I’m going through enough, I don’t want to know about someone going through something worse. Listening to his story now as a survivor, and as a mom, literally has me in tears.
It was probably good you didn’t read it at the time… I was traumatized from it and thought of the torture for months afterwards… I had a weak mind at the time but also I was a child still!!
I'm 35. I read this book when I was 12. I went to borrow it from the library this year to have my teen daughters read. They said they would not have a book like that at our library and my girls shouldn't read it. I went home and found it online and purchased it. It did have a huge impact on me.
I’m glad you are making decisions about your children’s books and not letting random committees determine what they can and cannot read. Libraries are great, but there’s only so much space
I read this in middle school and me and my sister raced each other to finish it. We didn’t know what we were going be reading. I read it quickly and wow 😢what a big impact it had on my life
@@Jules-740made us a more compassionate and understanding individual who wants to prevent anyone from going through anything remotely close to this by standing up to evil where we see it and watching out for people who need help!!
I read this book when I was a pre teen back in the 2000s… it shook me to the core. I cried with this child in the book and my life changed. I started to become a voice for children! The unborn, abused and unloved. I will NEVER forget his story and how his life changed forever when he found freedom!
Me too!!! I was in high school and it affected me every day for months most likely changing me in many ways although I was previously one of the students that had been compassionate to those poor, or dirty or picked on… but it still impacted me in a bad way as well, as I hadn’t imagined that the world was so evil that a mother could do that to her child…
This man is so filled with love and true joy. I'm completely amazed. He has so much compassion for all these people that treated him horribly. His face is lit up with such grace. I'm so humbled to listen to him. I'm ashamed I've ever complained about anything in my life. God bless this man.
I just went grocery shopping without my three little kids while they stay home with their dad, I listened to this while driving, now I’m sobbing and on my way home to hug my babies!!!!
I was in 8th grade. I was a child who hated to read but this story gripped me and my heart was so broken. As I got to adulthood, I wanted to add the book to my personal library and found Dave's other books.
I have so much resentment towards my parents especially my mom, for emotional abuse and being overly controlling. However, remembering his book always makes me have a flash of appreciation for my parents.
I read the book when I was 12 in the early 2000s and it made a huge impact on me. I was abused not to the brutality of David. I couldn't believe a mother would be so cruel. And a father so absent. For me it was the reverse. My stepdad was the abuser and my mom was too drunk to save us.
I am so grateful I read his book when I was in 5 th grade. That book made me sooooo much more compassionate and aware of child abuse. God blessed me with amazing parents. I pray over him 🙏🏽 and that one day I may be a great Foster mom. ❤
Dave is such an incredible inspiration. I’ve read his first two books twice and just starting the third. Growing up in foster care inspired me to read it. One of my therapist introduced the “child called it” to me as a child and I’m so glad she did. Amazing man. Great reads. I know he won awards and became such a public figure as an adult but I’ve never really watched his interviews until now. It’s nice to see he’s still around talking about things that people were so afraid to bring up back then.
I read A Child Called It when I was 13 and even as someone whose dad just overcame his heroin addiction two years prior i came from a rough, unstable family, I could not imagine that the book was real. Now as I sit here and listen to this interview while playing with my 6 month old and my toddler still in bed, Dave’s story hits so much differently. Never underestimate the hold Satan can have and just how hard he will work to destroy the family.
I read, “a child called IT,” as a kid and it was so sad, but now as an adult and mom, it would CRUSH me. 💙 God bless this man. Thank you for sharing your story.
I remember reading this as a kid. I couldn’t bring myself to read it as a mom..but anytime I’m reminded of his story I make a special effort to hug my kids, and kiss them, and tell them they’re special. I know it seems silly, but the idea that there are abused, neglected kids out there really gets to me, and if I can hold my babies a little extra, and squeeze them a little tighter, and remind them a little more how special they are, and how much I love them that energy will somehow make it through me and my kids to kids who really need it. If nothing else it ads a layer of positivity, and hopefully if my kids see other kids being abused they’ll recognize that’s not how moms and dads should treat their babies, and get them help. ♥️
He’s right about the difference in how these things used to be handled. When CPS was called on my mom, when I was in kindergarten, they told her to stop hitting my face. That was in the mid 80’s.
When I was in middle school I tried to get help because of the physical, emotional and sexual abuse I had been going through for years. My abuser was extremely charismatic, like Dave's mom. The counselor actually called my abuser up and told her I was telling horrible lies about her. I seriously fully believed when I got home I was going to be beaten to death. 😢
@thelovelylife7451 Thanks for asking! At first, I just wouldn't let her win. I carry physical and emotional scars, though, and she colored everything in my life dark. What really ended up saving me was when I got so sick and tired of the dumpster fire train wreck my life had become - I was so dysfunctional and ready to end it all. I ran across and listened to a talk by Russell M Nelson called "Let the Lord Prevail", and I basically told the Lord that I wasn't doing well at all, trying to run my life, and I sucked so bad at making good choices! I asked the Lord what was 1 thing I could give up to hear Him better? He said "true crime". So I quit my favorite true crime channels, and instead listened to Come Follow Me scripture podcasts, and I saw huge changes start to happen. I went from self-harming to feeling calm, peaceful and light inside. The more I focus on spiritual things the easier making not just a good choice, but making the best choice possible becomes for me. I just keep asking myself "what would God want me to do" and things are working out in such a beautiful, hopeful manner that it brings me to tears. I even met and married a Christ-like, kind, sweet, honorable man who cherishes me in all my weird ADHD glory, lol. It took me some 50 odd years before I got tired of slamming my head in the door and crying about it, to get to the point where I wanted to give my life to Christ, because He promises us to turn our ashes into beauty for us. ❤️
I can vouch for that, in the mid 80's I remember several times CPS came to our house. I told them everything that was going on. My mom would laugh, and say I'm so "imaginative". They would take her word every time. Even though I was emaciated. I came to school filthy, starving, withdrawn, bruised, they would send me home because of the smell. They all knew what was going on. No one cared.
@thelovelylife7451 I know it sounds cliche but it was literally my Savior, Jesus Christ. I was one big train wreck of a dumpster fire, but the Lord showed me compassion, love, mercy and forgiveness. I'm still a raging hot mess, but when I focus on the Lord: reading scriptures, singing Christian hymns and songs, attending church, and serving others, I can feel the chaos inside of me calming down, going cool and quiet. My problems haven't gone away but when I focus everything I have on my Savior, I feel good, and right inside... I actually feel such love and peace that my issues don't matter. It took me about 40 years to get to this place, lol, and it's unfortunately so easy to start to let my routine slide into secular distractions but I can't stand how ugly and mean I feel inside anymore when that happens, so I straighten myself out really quick. Usually. 😅
I was 11. My grandmother used it to justify the abuse my father caused. His first 3 books were given to my sisters and I. I learned a lot from those books. They showed me how to survive. Thank you, Dave. I still talk about your books to this day.
What a gripping interview! Normally I’ll put on the podcast while doing chores. I had to stop everything and just listen. Dave Pelzer has touched so many lives and still continues to inspire. So excited for the next interview with him!
I was about 42 years old, my daughters had both read it when they were a preteen and teen and they told me I needed to read it. I love to read, but that is the only book I’ve ever started and finished in one setting. I started reading it in bed and finished it before I could go to sleep. I had to know he got rescued before I could stop. The story was hard to read, but he did a great job of writing that kept it easy to stay focused.
So, there are adults out there that go through hell but don't become murderers, etc... I, too, went through an abusive childhood, and I thank God that I am nothing like my mother.
I was a freshman in college when I first read his book. Though not to the same extent, my mother used me as her emotional outlet, & his book helped me on my journey to forgive her.
I am 43, read this at about 25. Very heartbreaking story, it is good to know that Dave is so resilient and didn't let the abuse define him or limit him. What a great testament to the strength of the human spirit!
i believe i was in 4th grade when my mom let me read this. (was a good reader and mature) i remember my teacher saw it on my desk and was flabergasted that my mom would allow me to read such a thing. didn't scar me or anything and i think just added to my love you kids and the need to be loving with them and have a connection with them. praise God Dave survived and thrived
Dave's forgiveness of his mother and his ability to be honest about both jer evil actions and her redeeming qualities, along with his love for her and desire for her love, are truly inspirational. I was diagnosed with BPD due to years of abuse and neglect, and they damage it did to me. I have a lot of difficulty with overpowering emotions and wish i could dial them down a bit more. I want to be able to talk about my family members who abused and neglected me with the level of honesty and objectivity that Dave speaks about his. It is amazing.
Alex is such a great interviewer! I also feel she deserves some recognition for her ads. I have NEVER seen a podcaster do ads to the level she does. She actually does them so well that I usually buy every product she advertises 😂 That aside, this was a great episode. It’s fascinating to me how some can come from a situation like that broken and some can come out determined to be stronger.
I think I was 15 when I read it & have always remembered. I've never cried so much from a book & so glad to hear what a better life & recovery he was able to make as an adult. Glad to have come across this interview.
My mother read me the first two books When I was a kid. I was just thinking about his book because of the whole eight passengers case that happened. So impactful his books
I haven’t personally read “A Child Called It”, however in my junior year of high school in my child development class, my teacher read it aloud to the whole class.. she skipped over a couple of highly graphic parts (I’m not sure which), but that was 11 years ago and that’s always stuck with me. My teacher herself used to be a social worker and said she had to leave that industry because it was too traumatic to be around. I always appreciated her. She was one of my favorite teachers in high school. And I appreciated that she read that book to us. It was eye opening and heart wrenching. And it’s amazing to see David in this interview and honestly he is thriving. I know he will still always have to face daily battles as a result, but praise God he was able to not only turn his life completely around, but use his story and experiences to instead, make a huge difference through out society. I’m glad to have come across this interview.
I was 11 when this book was given to me.... Complex feelings with it because it was used manipulate me in order to justify/minimize the abuse being done at home ie "see, i could do that instead" "it could be worse" etc etc... but instead it gave me the hope i needed to persist. Today, I'm a mother, survivor, and advocate for youth in similar circumstances... This book was monumental to my success and I am forever appreciative for my life.
As you just mention this book I instantly started crying. This man is such an inspiration. Thank God he has overcome his childhood trauma Jesus Christ can give us strength to overcome
Alex, thank you so much for these great episodes. I read a child called "it" in 8th grade, after it was recommended to me by a friend. Now as a mom myself, it is 1000 times more heartbreaking to see my own children and think about Dave's abuse. I hope and pray more homes are opened to foster children and adoption, and that people realize just how much kindness can impact someone. You really never know what is going on in other's lives. Thank you for these great interviews. I look forward to listening while I tackle the endless piles of laundry and dishes while the littles run around. It's a huge comfort to me to hear from fellow cuteservatives!
I used to play "drive thru" with a neighbor kid cause she had so much food and I was starving but you cant ask only not need anything and be perfect! Hearing his story first hand as an adult never having read but having been recommended his book, why didnt my cousins who could see just tell me? I didnt have time I was working at long wongs by 12 taking the city bus to school begging them to see the kids my older sisters just had and were blind too.. im just out now at 32 with 3 graduated and finally realizing everyone else is protecting their comfort doing what they want not doing everything they physically can.. its been very emotional and very insightful i wish him all the best and thank him for sharing!
I’m Gen Z and read this book in middle school, so sad, and horrifying. I’m so grateful to my wonderful family and thankful he’s out of that position. May God continue to bless him!
This book saved my life when I was a child. It was my Bible. If i didnt not know your story, i may not be here today. You gave me hope. I was saved at 12. I wish more then anything I would talk to you. Im 37 years old and im NOW starting to have dreams and nightmares starting to come back that are almost debilitating. I wish I could talk about your recovery. Thank you for being the strong soul you are. I would love to maybe beable to give you my email......idk how that is possible but anyways...thank you for being you
I read his book in middle school, during 'sustained silent reading' (ssr), and I couldn't put it down. Dave's story is insanely tragic, but it proves you can overcome anything. I love this man and I'm so grateful he's shared his story with us.
Dave's story touched my heart so much as a teenager.. I remember having a call on the phone with my older sister about the book.. I cried so hard not understanding how this could happen. My mom is my bestie.. I love her. Now being a mom I went through PPD and I see how someone might get to that point but I would never hurt my son. I love him so much. I started crying after hearing the intro.
I read it at bootcamp when I was 15 I still think about it till this day and I’m 31 now it was such a heart wrenching story and really made me open my eyes to the world and the innocence of kids and the darkness of the world
A child called 'IT' was the FIRST book I bought and downloaded when getting a Kindle fire as a teen. I can still remember how entrenched I was in it for the week I read it, so intriguing yet saddening. I had the pleasure to read his brothers book, A brother's Journey, and I adored the reiteration that Dave was not at fault and was telling the truth, as well as his taking accountability for how he played in Dave's abuse at certain points. That was great book as well! Glad to see they are living better than before and making a change in the world. ❤ Thank you so much Dave for doing the interview, you answered so many wonderings I have had about you, one of them being is he doing okay now? And I am so happy to see that you are ❤️ God bless you.
I read a child called it and gave my teen daughter to read, she sat all day read the entire book, tears streaming down her face, that was the first book she read in full. She was only about 13 years old at the time. She is a mother herself now. A beautiful young lady. Exceptional mother.
So I’m 36 and I remember reading these books when I was in middle school. Such an impact on my life. It blew me away to see that it’s being discussed now.
i read that book twice as a preteen cried over and over again and i still remember and think about it till this day and i’m 25 i pray for him and his happiness 🤍
Thank for using the disclaimer at the beginning, Alex. I’m sure I’m not the only one who appreciates that. I am a survivor of CSA and I prefer not to listen to things that recall me in any way to that past. I wish some other conservative content producers would follow suit. Not everyone is just “sensitive”, sometimes a disclaimer can save a massive spiral ❤️
This man is so inspiring. To live in Hell and then to escape and come out with such a beautiful perspective on life, he's truly a warrior. The true joy and gratefulness that flows through him is unparalleled to anyone I've ever heard speak
I read this in college as part of one of my classes. It was emotionally difficult to read. Thank you for doing this interview. I think of him frequently even still.
I read this for the first time in 6th grade. (About 12 years old) and so many parts of the book made me cry and made me feel so grateful for my parents
Dave's book was the first abuse biography I read as a young woman. He has such a powerful story to tell and you can feel his sensitive soul throughout this interview.
I read this when I was young and I believe it’s part of what opened my eyes to child abuse and the important of being a voice for the innocent. Never be afraid to call CPS if you’re suspicious, even if CPS is a corrupt system it’s better than nothing.
My sisters used to read books aloud to each other. They're 6-8 yrs older than me. I was probably 7 (1997) when they were reading this book. I was terrified. I had nightmares and was so so scared my mom would turn into the mother. My word. Just hearing it as a child was a little traumatic. My heart aches for children who are abused.
I was 12 when we read this in school we would read this aloud in class and it was so hard to read! You could see who was abused in the class room by the uncontrollable tears. It really changed some of us. I low key feel bad that other kids are not reading this because they may know what they are going through is abuse
I worked for the State of Arizona as a case manager in social services for 24 years, and the State would yearly provide educational conferences for us. One year Dave was a speaker, and I never forgot his story. What a brave child, and man that he became. I also come from an abusive childhood where my mother was my bully, and my father was a malignant (pedophile in hiding) narcissist, I can certainly relate. Dave's abuse was much worse of course. I believe that God uses even these horrific experiences and brings about good. I went into social services, and Dave has done unimaginable good in his life for children.
There's something very genuine about this man. I did some research on him and found out that people who said he was lying were easily made to be uncredible. One thing he was accused of was not total recall. When you have gone through so much, you won't have total recall. Trauma seriously messes with the brain. Whats interesting is that he's still a people pleaser and looking for validation from others to fill that gap. I think this is a trauma response. My mother was abusive (not anywhere near the extent of what this man went through), and i am a people pleaser... but something else inside me makes me push back and call people out when they are unprofessional or irresponsible... but only when it's a relationship i have to have... like with school admin or coaches for my kids. If i can walk away from someone who doesn't fit my standards of what integrity is... I'll just walk away.
Sometimes it is easier to forgive the monster than it is the "better person" who fed you to it from weakness or cowardice. Dad was just as responsible.
I remember that my mom had a copy of this book…but she must have used it for parenting tips. More people need to be willing to report to cps instead of “minding their business “, thinking “it could be worse”, “it’s better to keep the kids with their parents “….just no. If the parents are the abusers, then who is really being protected by keeping quiet? Keeping the kids with the abusers allows the abuse to continue.
I read "A Child Called 'It'" when I was in 6th grade. My counselor's name was Mrs. Woodward. I would hang out in the counselor's office because I was new at the school and I was bullied. Mrs. Woodward would go on to tell me that she used to be a teacher and after helping students in school we went on to become a counselor. It was sometime before she actually said she helped Dave Pelzer. I was shocked!
My dad and his siblings were abused by their stepfather. My 8 yr old dad got caught stealing comic books. My stepfather punished him by putting his hand in a pot of scalding hot water. He still has the scars. Unfortunately David Pelzer’s herniated trachea is a result of him swallowing the ammonia mixture.
His mother very much sounded demon possessed. That's not just postpartum or had a bad childhood. She was a whole another level of insatiable evil. I'm so glad David's life was spared.
I agree that at some point she opened the door for the demonic to enter her.
Just like a serial killer or a hitman,but she was fully evil and willfully doing what she did.
I hated his dad even more for letting it happen and doing nothing.
@@pinkpugginzthey are both horrible people ngl i cant decide who i hate more
Yea and he still loves her & protects her
Dave's books had such an important impact on me, they taught me to fully appreciate my parents despite their flaws and to keep an eye out on other kids around me, because you never know who could need help. An extremely powerful author and I'm glad he's still sharing his story
Yes
"A Child Called It" really helped me cope with my own horrific child abuse. It made me stop feeling sorry for myself and stop focusing on all the things I didn’t have. It taught me that no matter what you've been through, you can get past it and create a normal life for yourself. And it taught me that no matter how bad you think your childhood was, it could have been worse, so stop being a victim.
Hey, im a journalist and I'd love to have you share your story with me if you don't mind:)
I was a foster kid for a few years (age 9-11, myself and two of my siblings were eventually adopted by realitives, my twin brother's unfortunately were trapped in a facility until they turned 18 and then idk what all happened to them after that. They're 28 now and I only regained contact with one of them back in 2018, and the contact hasn't been consistent) during my childhood. It wasn't because of abvse or anything like that, we were just poor, and our home burned down. I'm the oldest of five and my mom had me at 17, the twins were severely autistic and she worked three jobs. My youngest brother was barely a year old or so when everything happened and the only memory he has of our mother is her funeral, She ended up taking her life when I was 16 over what happened to us. Anyways, when I was in I think maybe 4th or 5th grade, my teacher assigned me to read a child called it, glennis before and after (different author, similar theme) and a few other books for my spring break reading assignment. Those books traumatized me at the time 😅 I was like dang lady you read foster kid and just assumed it was like that?! 😂😂🤦🏻♀️ but I'm glad she gave me that assignment in the end, those books have stuck with me my whole life, and similar to your story, it really helped strengthen my character and helped me not to pity myself too much. I really missed my home and my family and it wrecked my life for a long time (I still have complex PTSD from it, but I'm far more regulated/healed now than how I was even through my teen years) being away from them, I cried myself to sleep for missing them many nights, but through the years I remember these stories and even in those moments, it really gave a broader perspective. My teacher's name was Mrs. O'Neal. I still remember her face all these years later (I'm pushing 40 now lol)
Same
Same, if you’re a child and being abused, stand up, speak up, seek help and get out of there. Oh and read his book. A child called it.
Playing the victim? This comment is upsetting because nobody knows my story and believe me it's way worse than child called it. I'm lucky to be alive I was forced to clean the bathroom with bleach and ammonia, I was starved beaten and forced to wash clothes in a bucket, fed dog feces and forced to stand in a corner with my legs bent and arms up while my siblings pinched me and if I moved I was beaten with a metal spoon so don't say what you said again because not everyone can cope
It's incredible how positive of a person he is today given what he went through. What an inspiration.
I believe that his his belief in Jesus (note cross around his neck) has everything to do with his strength and healing, and present happiness.
@@lauralerner8342 absolutely
Any “man” or father that would sit and let this abuse happen is absolutely disgusting
Amen.
That was my thought! What kind of father sits around and allows this to happen!
And the grandmother
Same with mothers
Weak men.
So i was sold into sexual slavery from 3 to 12. When i got out of it my aunt gave me this book. I read it at 12 and between my own personal views of protecting those i loved, even if they didnt love me correctly and being the opposite of those who hurt me, and the messages in his books, it helped me solidify who i am. And bc of that i was able to help ppl in person instead of staying a victim.
Wow. So sorry you went through that and glad you got out of it and have an inspirational testimony to this day! Lord Jesus bless you ❤
I’m so sorry ❤
Wow his book I read when I was 14 and it finally put words to what I was going through with my mom. The mustard gas thing I did not experience but similar enough. I felt less lonely. This book had an impact on me leaving and getting emmancipated at 16. It is incredible to see the cross on his neck. I just had a born again experience recently myself and so much of this healing work cannot be done without Jesus. Man. I am going to have to digest this interview slowly for how much this book impacted me in that way.
You are a beautiful soul.
Your Father sees you, and He has not forgotten you 🤍
Welcome to the family of Christ sister!! 🙏 🙌👏 Praise be to The King of Kings for your salvation!!
Welcome to fam of God 💖🌷
An abused child doesn't stop loving their abuser; they stop loving themselves.
Spot on!
the way he described every woman that he mentioned as beautiful is remarkable after what he went through at the hands of such a cruel woman 🥺
Dave’s story has such an impact. I read Child Called It when I was in middle school and I never forgot about it. It’s hard to imagine that an innocent child had to endure that. It makes me so happy to see him today, though.
it's tough! I had a similar childhood.
Yeah, I read it when I was maybe 12? Ish? And it made me feel so sad and alone. It gave me nightmares. I slept with my parents for several months after reading that book. I told them I was having bad dreams. When they finally told me I’d have to go back to my own bed, I slept with the dogs and cat. To this day, I sleep with my dogs. That’s how that began for me.
I don’t regret reading it, but it was a tough few months. Never talked to my folks about it, other than once asking my mother why any parent would abuse their child. And my mother launched into a campaign to try to extract from me which of my friends might be getting abused. She was certain that I was aware of abuse of a schoolmate or something.
I just didn’t know how to tell her I’d read that book. My mother is one of the most emotionally sensitive people on earth, to a fault, and I didn’t think she could handle knowing that I read these things.
I read David's books in grade 7 and into highschool and then found his brothers book.
I lived in extremely stable, loving enviroment with two parents that went to the ends of the earth for us. So I've never personally experienced the level of abuse David went through. But it gave me such an insight into what happens behind closed doors.
I'll be forever grateful for David's bravery to share his story. In the light of Gabriel Fernandez and other children, I think this book needs to be recirculated for people to understand the warning signs of child abuse.
How could he wish his mother were in heaven? I hope to understand this type of forgiveness someday...
It's this idea that to curse someone, wish them in Hell - It's actually a really bad thing to do. At the same time, his ability to wish this is astounding. I'm completely blown away
Forgiveness isn’t just for the other person. It’s a part of healing for you. Nobody should wish Hell on anyone. Ask the Lord for help with forgiveness.
Forgiveness ❤ Jesus can do that for you
He gave us the answer. He chooses the high road in order to not allow the darkness to take him over as well
I too am struggling with forgiveness. I admire that we can wish heaven for his abuser. I've had people do much less drastic stuff to me and I'm working through forgiveness to heal myself. He is a wonderful example I hope I can learn from.
When I was in 7th grade, I swear I saw everyone being assigned “A Child Called It” except for my particular English class. My classmates would never stop talking about the book. I didn’t actually read the book until I was 23-24, a few months after I had my first son. It absolutely broke my heart to read his story while sitting next to my own son. Dave’s story is so sad but also incredibly powerful. I hope he continues to touch the lives of others through sharing his story. ❤️
Our English teacher in the 7th grade had us read this book. I remember we couldn’t wait to go to her class to continue reading the book
I wish you asked him about his faith and testimony! I would have loved to hear how he found God! But this was a very special interview and I enjoyed his joy in the suffering. ♥️
As a child of abuse and neglect, while a classmate of mine read the book she described what she read, and because of that I couldn’t bring myself to read his book also. I always figured, I’m going through enough, I don’t want to know about someone going through something worse. Listening to his story now as a survivor, and as a mom, literally has me in tears.
Same, the memories, yet my heart absolutely aches for him
Same, the memories, yet my heart absolutely aches for him
It was probably good you didn’t read it at the time… I was traumatized from it and thought of the torture for months afterwards… I had a weak mind at the time but also I was a child still!!
I'm 35. I read this book when I was 12. I went to borrow it from the library this year to have my teen daughters read. They said they would not have a book like that at our library and my girls shouldn't read it. I went home and found it online and purchased it. It did have a huge impact on me.
I read it to my kids. They were very angry and upset about it they were happy to know that he did get away with his life.
WTH?? Libraries should absolutely have this book!
I feel uneasy about advertising fighting human trafficking and female hygiene in the same sentence... what is going on here
Wow. They won't put this in libraries but Bobby has 2 dad's is allowed. Awesome 😢
I’m glad you are making decisions about your children’s books and not letting random committees determine what they can and cannot read. Libraries are great, but there’s only so much space
As a mother of 3 I just can't even wrap my head around this.
I sustained abuse growing up by a narc mother and I can't imagine how my mother did or said things she did now that I'm a mom myself
I read Dave’s first three books in 6th-grade and my life was forever changed. Thank you for having him on! Best guest yet!
I read this in middle school and me and my sister raced each other to finish it. We didn’t know what we were going be reading. I read it quickly and wow 😢what a big impact it had on my life
How has it changed your life?
@@Jules-740made us a more compassionate and understanding individual who wants to prevent anyone from going through anything remotely close to this by standing up to evil where we see it and watching out for people who need help!!
I read this book when I was a pre teen back in the 2000s… it shook me to the core. I cried with this child in the book and my life changed. I started to become a voice for children! The unborn, abused and unloved. I will NEVER forget his story and how his life changed forever when he found freedom!
Me too!!! I was in high school and it affected me every day for months most likely changing me in many ways although I was previously one of the students that had been compassionate to those poor, or dirty or picked on… but it still impacted me in a bad way as well, as I hadn’t imagined that the world was so evil that a mother could do that to her child…
This man is so filled with love and true joy. I'm completely amazed. He has so much compassion for all these people that treated him horribly. His face is lit up with such grace. I'm so humbled to listen to him. I'm ashamed I've ever complained about anything in my life. God bless this man.
What a sweet and special man. Jesus is just hugging him and loving on him ❤ I pray he feels Jesus’s love everyday.
What a great person he has turned out to be, from the hell he went through to the blessed man that he is is so miraculous.
I just went grocery shopping without my three little kids while they stay home with their dad, I listened to this while driving, now I’m sobbing and on my way home to hug my babies!!!!
I was in 8th grade. I was a child who hated to read but this story gripped me and my heart was so broken. As I got to adulthood, I wanted to add the book to my personal library and found Dave's other books.
The fact that he’s still standing despite all of the terrible things he’s been through says a lot about him. David is a survivor and is a victor.😊
I have so much resentment towards my parents especially my mom, for emotional abuse and being overly controlling. However, remembering his book always makes me have a flash of appreciation for my parents.
I read the book when I was 12 in the early 2000s and it made a huge impact on me. I was abused not to the brutality of David. I couldn't believe a mother would be so cruel. And a father so absent. For me it was the reverse. My stepdad was the abuser and my mom was too drunk to save us.
I am so grateful I read his book when I was in 5 th grade. That book made me sooooo much more compassionate and aware of child abuse. God blessed me with amazing parents. I pray over him 🙏🏽 and that one day I may be a great Foster mom. ❤
Dave is such an incredible inspiration. I’ve read his first two books twice and just starting the third. Growing up in foster care inspired me to read it. One of my therapist introduced the “child called it” to me as a child and I’m so glad she did. Amazing man. Great reads. I know he won awards and became such a public figure as an adult but I’ve never really watched his interviews until now. It’s nice to see he’s still around talking about things that people were so afraid to bring up back then.
I read A Child Called It when I was 13 and even as someone whose dad just overcame his heroin addiction two years prior i came from a rough, unstable family, I could not imagine that the book was real. Now as I sit here and listen to this interview while playing with my 6 month old and my toddler still in bed, Dave’s story hits so much differently. Never underestimate the hold Satan can have and just how hard he will work to destroy the family.
I read, “a child called IT,” as a kid and it was so sad, but now as an adult and mom, it would CRUSH me.
💙 God bless this man. Thank you for sharing your story.
Exactly! I read it as a teen and I probably would not be able to get through it now as a mom.
I guess if you can call your child “IT”, then they think It’ll float. And if It floats, YOU FLOAT….
No, no, nope, not making that joke.
I remember reading this as a kid. I couldn’t bring myself to read it as a mom..but anytime I’m reminded of his story I make a special effort to hug my kids, and kiss them, and tell them they’re special. I know it seems silly, but the idea that there are abused, neglected kids out there really gets to me, and if I can hold my babies a little extra, and squeeze them a little tighter, and remind them a little more how special they are, and how much I love them that energy will somehow make it through me and my kids to kids who really need it. If nothing else it ads a layer of positivity, and hopefully if my kids see other kids being abused they’ll recognize that’s not how moms and dads should treat their babies, and get them help. ♥️
He’s right about the difference in how these things used to be handled. When CPS was called on my mom, when I was in kindergarten, they told her to stop hitting my face. That was in the mid 80’s.
When I was in middle school I tried to get help because of the physical, emotional and sexual abuse I had been going through for years. My abuser was extremely charismatic, like Dave's mom. The counselor actually called my abuser up and told her I was telling horrible lies about her. I seriously fully believed when I got home I was going to be beaten to death. 😢
@thelovelylife7451 Thanks for asking! At first, I just wouldn't let her win. I carry physical and emotional scars, though, and she colored everything in my life dark. What really ended up saving me was when I got so sick and tired of the dumpster fire train wreck my life had become - I was so dysfunctional and ready to end it all.
I ran across and listened to a talk by Russell M Nelson called "Let the Lord Prevail", and I basically told the Lord that I wasn't doing well at all, trying to run my life, and I sucked so bad at making good choices! I asked the Lord what was 1 thing I could give up to hear Him better? He said "true crime". So I quit my favorite true crime channels, and instead listened to Come Follow Me scripture podcasts, and I saw huge changes start to happen. I went from self-harming to feeling calm, peaceful and light inside.
The more I focus on spiritual things the easier making not just a good choice, but making the best choice possible becomes for me. I just keep asking myself "what would God want me to do" and things are working out in such a beautiful, hopeful manner that it brings me to tears. I even met and married a Christ-like, kind, sweet, honorable man who cherishes me in all my weird ADHD glory, lol. It took me some 50 odd years before I got tired of slamming my head in the door and crying about it, to get to the point where I wanted to give my life to Christ, because He promises us to turn our ashes into beauty for us. ❤️
I can vouch for that, in the mid 80's I remember several times CPS came to our house. I told them everything that was going on. My mom would laugh, and say I'm so "imaginative". They would take her word every time. Even though I was emaciated. I came to school filthy, starving, withdrawn, bruised, they would send me home because of the smell. They all knew what was going on. No one cared.
@thelovelylife7451 I know it sounds cliche but it was literally my Savior, Jesus Christ. I was one big train wreck of a dumpster fire, but the Lord showed me compassion, love, mercy and forgiveness. I'm still a raging hot mess, but when I focus on the Lord: reading scriptures, singing Christian hymns and songs, attending church, and serving others, I can feel the chaos inside of me calming down, going cool and quiet. My problems haven't gone away but when I focus everything I have on my Savior, I feel good, and right inside... I actually feel such love and peace that my issues don't matter. It took me about 40 years to get to this place, lol, and it's unfortunately so easy to start to let my routine slide into secular distractions but I can't stand how ugly and mean I feel inside anymore when that happens, so I straighten myself out really quick. Usually. 😅
Women and children have always been treated like property.
I was 11. My grandmother used it to justify the abuse my father caused. His first 3 books were given to my sisters and I. I learned a lot from those books. They showed me how to survive. Thank you, Dave. I still talk about your books to this day.
What a gripping interview! Normally I’ll put on the podcast while doing chores. I had to stop everything and just listen. Dave Pelzer has touched so many lives and still continues to inspire. So excited for the next interview with him!
I could listen to him talk for hours. His story is so amazing and I aspire to his strength and character.
He is just sooo sweet, such a good reminder to be nice and make people smile or laugh. Such a great guest!
I was about 42 years old, my daughters had both read it when they were a preteen and teen and they told me I needed to read it. I love to read, but that is the only book I’ve ever started and finished in one setting. I started reading it in bed and finished it before I could go to sleep. I had to know he got rescued before I could stop. The story was hard to read, but he did a great job of writing that kept it easy to stay focused.
So, there are adults out there that go through hell but don't become murderers, etc... I, too, went through an abusive childhood, and I thank God that I am nothing like my mother.
I was a freshman in college when I first read his book. Though not to the same extent, my mother used me as her emotional outlet, & his book helped me on my journey to forgive her.
I was 34 when I read his books. Heart wrenching! I am so proud and so glad that Dave has been very successful and found peace from his trama!😢
" I have to take the high road".... true gentleman after the helll he went through❤
I RANDOMLY THOUGHT OF THIS BOOK and the things he experienced the other day- I’m so happy he’s okay. I was scarred by just reading it.
Same, I came back after reading it years ago, glad to see he's kickin'
I am 43, read this at about 25. Very heartbreaking story, it is good to know that Dave is so resilient and didn't let the abuse define him or limit him. What a great testament to the strength of the human spirit!
Oh my gosh. I cannot wait for this. I will never forget his story. I pray he is well!
Thank you Mr. Pelzer. I wish you could have had your mommy’s love. Thankful for the kind loving humanitarians.
i believe i was in 4th grade when my mom let me read this. (was a good reader and mature) i remember my teacher saw it on my desk and was flabergasted that my mom would allow me to read such a thing. didn't scar me or anything and i think just added to my love you kids and the need to be loving with them and have a connection with them. praise God Dave survived and thrived
Dave's forgiveness of his mother and his ability to be honest about both jer evil actions and her redeeming qualities, along with his love for her and desire for her love, are truly inspirational.
I was diagnosed with BPD due to years of abuse and neglect, and they damage it did to me. I have a lot of difficulty with overpowering emotions and wish i could dial them down a bit more.
I want to be able to talk about my family members who abused and neglected me with the level of honesty and objectivity that Dave speaks about his. It is amazing.
I read this book when I was 12. It opened my eyes and I have since always looked for signs of abuse in other kids.
Alex is such a great interviewer! I also feel she deserves some recognition for her ads. I have NEVER seen a podcaster do ads to the level she does. She actually does them so well that I usually buy every product she advertises 😂
That aside, this was a great episode. It’s fascinating to me how some can come from a situation like that broken and some can come out determined to be stronger.
I think I was 15 when I read it & have always remembered. I've never cried so much from a book & so glad to hear what a better life & recovery he was able to make as an adult. Glad to have come across this interview.
I sobbed through this book many years ago.
My mother read me the first two books When I was a kid. I was just thinking about his book because of the whole eight passengers case that happened. So impactful his books
I haven’t personally read “A Child Called It”, however in my junior year of high school in my child development class, my teacher read it aloud to the whole class.. she skipped over a couple of highly graphic parts (I’m not sure which), but that was 11 years ago and that’s always stuck with me. My teacher herself used to be a social worker and said she had to leave that industry because it was too traumatic to be around. I always appreciated her. She was one of my favorite teachers in high school. And I appreciated that she read that book to us. It was eye opening and heart wrenching. And it’s amazing to see David in this interview and honestly he is thriving. I know he will still always have to face daily battles as a result, but praise God he was able to not only turn his life completely around, but use his story and experiences to instead, make a huge difference through out society. I’m glad to have come across this interview.
I was 11 when this book was given to me.... Complex feelings with it because it was used manipulate me in order to justify/minimize the abuse being done at home ie "see, i could do that instead" "it could be worse" etc etc... but instead it gave me the hope i needed to persist. Today, I'm a mother, survivor, and advocate for youth in similar circumstances... This book was monumental to my success and I am forever appreciative for my life.
I read it in my mid twenties and my children were young. I cried for him through the whole book
Catching up on episodes... I'm already in tears 5min in just hearing him talk about his teachers. WOW what a grateful soul he has postured.
That mother sounds absolutely sick. No excuses could possibly be made.
As you just mention this book I instantly started crying. This man is such an inspiration. Thank God he has overcome his childhood trauma Jesus Christ can give us strength to overcome
I feel honored to be able to say you are a hero and role model to many. Your here for a reason. Thank you.
I’m a Boomer, read it in a Barnes & Noble Bookstore in NYC. I thought, “It’s about time someone takes it seriously.” Was I shocked? Not at all.
Alex, thank you so much for these great episodes. I read a child called "it" in 8th grade, after it was recommended to me by a friend. Now as a mom myself, it is 1000 times more heartbreaking to see my own children and think about Dave's abuse. I hope and pray more homes are opened to foster children and adoption, and that people realize just how much kindness can impact someone. You really never know what is going on in other's lives.
Thank you for these great interviews. I look forward to listening while I tackle the endless piles of laundry and dishes while the littles run around. It's a huge comfort to me to hear from fellow cuteservatives!
I used to play "drive thru" with a neighbor kid cause she had so much food and I was starving but you cant ask only not need anything and be perfect! Hearing his story first hand as an adult never having read but having been recommended his book, why didnt my cousins who could see just tell me? I didnt have time I was working at long wongs by 12 taking the city bus to school begging them to see the kids my older sisters just had and were blind too.. im just out now at 32 with 3 graduated and finally realizing everyone else is protecting their comfort doing what they want not doing everything they physically can.. its been very emotional and very insightful i wish him all the best and thank him for sharing!
I’m Gen Z and read this book in middle school, so sad, and horrifying. I’m so grateful to my wonderful family and thankful he’s out of that position. May God continue to bless him!
This book saved my life when I was a child. It was my Bible. If i didnt not know your story, i may not be here today. You gave me hope. I was saved at 12. I wish more then anything I would talk to you. Im 37 years old and im NOW starting to have dreams and nightmares starting to come back that are almost debilitating. I wish I could talk about your recovery. Thank you for being the strong soul you are. I would love to maybe beable to give you my email......idk how that is possible but anyways...thank you for being you
he has a website!
I was in middle school when I read this book. I still remember it vividly. Now I have two children of my own.
I read his book in middle school, during 'sustained silent reading' (ssr), and I couldn't put it down. Dave's story is insanely tragic, but it proves you can overcome anything. I love this man and I'm so grateful he's shared his story with us.
Dave's story touched my heart so much as a teenager.. I remember having a call on the phone with my older sister about the book.. I cried so hard not understanding how this could happen. My mom is my bestie.. I love her.
Now being a mom I went through PPD and I see how someone might get to that point but I would never hurt my son. I love him so much.
I started crying after hearing the intro.
I read it at bootcamp when I was 15 I still think about it till this day and I’m 31 now it was such a heart wrenching story and really made me open my eyes to the world and the innocence of kids and the darkness of the world
A child called 'IT' was the FIRST book I bought and downloaded when getting a Kindle fire as a teen. I can still remember how entrenched I was in it for the week I read it, so intriguing yet saddening.
I had the pleasure to read his brothers book, A brother's Journey, and I adored the reiteration that Dave was not at fault and was telling the truth, as well as his taking accountability for how he played in Dave's abuse at certain points. That was great book as well! Glad to see they are living better than before and making a change in the world. ❤
Thank you so much Dave for doing the interview, you answered so many wonderings I have had about you, one of them being is he doing okay now? And I am so happy to see that you are ❤️ God bless you.
I read a child called it and gave my teen daughter to read, she sat all day read the entire book, tears streaming down her face, that was the first book she read in full. She was only about 13 years old at the time. She is a mother herself now. A beautiful young lady. Exceptional mother.
So I’m 36 and I remember reading these books when I was in middle school. Such an impact on my life. It blew me away to see that it’s being discussed now.
Wow. Blown away by his kindness and happiness. Awesome episode ❤
i read that book twice as a preteen cried over and over again and i still remember and think about it till this day and i’m 25 i pray for him and his happiness 🤍
Thank for using the disclaimer at the beginning, Alex. I’m sure I’m not the only one who appreciates that. I am a survivor of CSA and I prefer not to listen to things that recall me in any way to that past. I wish some other conservative content producers would follow suit.
Not everyone is just “sensitive”, sometimes a disclaimer can save a massive spiral ❤️
Wow what a beautiful man he turned out to be despite the evil things his mother did. GOD bless!
This man is so inspiring. To live in Hell and then to escape and come out with such a beautiful perspective on life, he's truly a warrior. The true joy and gratefulness that flows through him is unparalleled to anyone I've ever heard speak
I read this in college as part of one of my classes. It was emotionally difficult to read. Thank you for doing this interview. I think of him frequently even still.
Omg I remember reading this in middle school. It is awesome to see that he is doing not just okay but living a beautiful life! ❤
I wonder if the demons in her saw how annointed you were from a young age.
I think so. And I wonder if she was a special combination of both psychopath and narcissist.
I was in my 30’s when I read, A Child called It.
Forever impacted my life.
I read this for the first time in 6th grade. (About 12 years old) and so many parts of the book made me cry and made me feel so grateful for my parents
Dave's book was the first abuse biography I read as a young woman. He has such a powerful story to tell and you can feel his sensitive soul throughout this interview.
I read this when I was young and I believe it’s part of what opened my eyes to child abuse and the important of being a voice for the innocent. Never be afraid to call CPS if you’re suspicious, even if CPS is a corrupt system it’s better than nothing.
Read this book in elementary it truly made me greatful for my parents... I think everyone needs to read this . I still remember it
I read it when I was only 8 or 9. It was the most impactful thing I read my entire childhood. 25 years later, I think of Dave's story often.
What a beautiful human ❤ I’ve read his books and he is a real life superhero.
When i was 13, I went to the public library and borrowed this book. I stayed up all night reading it, couldn't put it down
My sisters used to read books aloud to each other. They're 6-8 yrs older than me. I was probably 7 (1997) when they were reading this book. I was terrified. I had nightmares and was so so scared my mom would turn into the mother. My word. Just hearing it as a child was a little traumatic. My heart aches for children who are abused.
someone passed this book on to me, as a young teenage. I could not believe the horrible treatment, especially from a "caregiver."
I was 12 when we read this in school we would read this aloud in class and it was so hard to read! You could see who was abused in the class room by the uncontrollable tears. It really changed some of us. I low key feel bad that other kids are not reading this because they may know what they are going through is abuse
*not
I read this book probably sonewhere around 5th-8th grade. Even at that age inever forgot it. I read the others he wrote as well. Very impactful.
I read this book when I was 16 and I’m gen z. I read it in a day I was so shocked by how horrible the abuse was
I worked for the State of Arizona as a case manager in social services for 24 years, and the State would yearly provide educational conferences for us. One year Dave was a speaker, and I never forgot his story. What a brave child, and man that he became. I also come from an abusive childhood where my mother was my bully, and my father was a malignant (pedophile in hiding) narcissist, I can certainly relate. Dave's abuse was much worse of course. I believe that God uses even these horrific experiences and brings about good. I went into social services, and Dave has done unimaginable good in his life for children.
There's something very genuine about this man. I did some research on him and found out that people who said he was lying were easily made to be uncredible. One thing he was accused of was not total recall. When you have gone through so much, you won't have total recall. Trauma seriously messes with the brain. Whats interesting is that he's still a people pleaser and looking for validation from others to fill that gap. I think this is a trauma response. My mother was abusive (not anywhere near the extent of what this man went through), and i am a people pleaser... but something else inside me makes me push back and call people out when they are unprofessional or irresponsible... but only when it's a relationship i have to have... like with school admin or coaches for my kids. If i can walk away from someone who doesn't fit my standards of what integrity is... I'll just walk away.
Sometimes it is easier to forgive the monster than it is the "better person" who fed you to it from weakness or cowardice. Dad was just as responsible.
I remember that my mom had a copy of this book…but she must have used it for parenting tips.
More people need to be willing to report to cps instead of “minding their business “, thinking “it could be worse”, “it’s better to keep the kids with their parents “….just no. If the parents are the abusers, then who is really being protected by keeping quiet? Keeping the kids with the abusers allows the abuse to continue.
everyone who read the book will never forget it and that’s why jumped this video !!! so glad i found always wanted to hear from him
His mother never showed true remorse for what she did.. how could anyone do this to their own child?
I read "A Child Called 'It'" when I was in 6th grade. My counselor's name was Mrs. Woodward. I would hang out in the counselor's office because I was new at the school and I was bullied. Mrs. Woodward would go on to tell me that she used to be a teacher and after helping students in school we went on to become a counselor. It was sometime before she actually said she helped Dave Pelzer. I was shocked!
My dad and his siblings were abused by their stepfather. My 8 yr old dad got caught stealing comic books. My stepfather punished him by putting his hand in a pot of scalding hot water. He still has the scars. Unfortunately David Pelzer’s herniated trachea is a result of him swallowing the ammonia mixture.