I Can Fix This cover art

I Can Fix This

And Other Lies I Told Myself While Parenting My Struggling Child

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I Can Fix This

Written by: Kristina Kuzmic, Shefali Tsabary Ph.D.
Narrated by: Kristina Kuzmic, Soneela Nankani, Luka Kuzmic
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About this listen

From the author of Hold On, But Don’t Hold Still, the emotionally charged and eye-opening account of a mother who navigates the cacophony of best practices and urgent advice from parenting authorities in search of a way to support her teen as he maps his own path to mental health.

When Kristina Kuzmič started to see signs that her otherwise sunny, resilient teenage son was struggling, she was sure a few simple fixes could right the ship. But over the following months, the issues her family faced became more nuanced, complicated, and pervasive than she could've predicted—and what began as a clear to do list spiraled into an emotionally fraught and seemingly endless push and pull between signs of progress and overwhelming fear.

Despite her best efforts, Kuzmič had internalized a set of obligations, ideas, and unrealistic standards from parenting culture and social media that left her unprepared to guide her child when he needed her most. Featuring an urgent and affirming foreword by renowned and New York Times bestselling clinician Dr. Shefali Tsabary—Kuzmič's new book debunks ten "parenting truths” that kept her in crisis, and delves into her insecurities and the mistakes she made to reveal invaluable lessons and transformative approaches that worked.

While her family stands on the other side now stronger than ever, Kuzmič's journey calls to parents who have felt the instinct to say “I can fix this” in situations where good intentions far exceed our abilities to enact change.

©2024 Kristina Kuzmic (P)2024 Penguin Audio
Addiction & Recovery Conflict Management Teenagers Mental Health
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What the critics say

"By offering us an in-depth account of her most vulnerable and maddening moments as a mother of a child in anguish, Kristina Kuzmič gives us a story as close to an emotional road map as possible."—Dr. Shefali Tsabary, New York Times bestselling author of The Parenting Map

"This book is so honest, reminding us that we are not alone in our parenthood journey, and that what our mind tells us is not always true. It is the perfect example of how showing up day after day, week after week, year after year is all the true love that our child needs. It won't be easy, and it will be far from perfect, but it will be real. Kristina and this book could not set a better example."—Dr. Neela Sethi, general pediatrics and adolescent medicine, teen mental health advocate

"The heart-wrenching and ultimately hope-filled journey of parenting a beloved child struggling with mental health and substance abuse. As a clinician and a mom, I so appreciated Kuzmič's extreme candor, humility, and empathy tackling a topic that is all too often kept in the shadows, leaving parents to suffer in silence. I encourage every parent, but especially those with kids who are struggling, to read I Can Fix This. You will find solace, understanding, and perspective that will not only help your family survive, but hopefully thrive as a result."—Dr. Laura Berman, New York Times bestselling author of Real Sex for Real Women and Talking to Your Kids About Sex

What listeners say about I Can Fix This

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thank you for writing your story as it hits home

I loved everything about it as so many families are going through this same situation. It hits home for me as I'm going through this right now. This is what the world needs is, more true stories and what what mental health really looks like.We shouldn't be ashamed of holding our true stories with mental health. So thank you for writing this book.

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Amazing story to hear

Amazing book to listen to as a parent. It really helped me understand my children and even myself better. Will definitely listen again and again.

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Must read for anyone with a child with mental illness or who is struggling.

This is a great read for parents of teenagers or children that have a mental illness or are struggling with life in general. It is a great reminder why we should never give up on our children even when it feels like a struggle to keep going for both parties.
PS not a great idea to listen to in your car on the way to an important conference! #sobbing #hotmess

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listened to it in one sitting

it's amazing how Kristina and Luka shared their story. It's a scary and unpredictable life to be struggling with mental health issues, but they showed that it is possible to change less ideal parenting habits, parent-kid interaction and even keeping a marriage alive in the midst of all the hardships.

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Possibly the most helpful book I’ve ever read.

I loved everything about this book. It is as though the author put my chronic feelings, fears and unhelpful methods into clear and concise words so I could reflect back and see the many ways I tried to fix things that I could not. Their story will help so many parents navigate some very scary circumstances. I will re-read whenever I need reminding.

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Raw and Real

Kristina took what was the most private tragedy in her family’s life and shared it in the most authentic way, Raw and Real. The best teachers are those who are relatable and kind, concerned for their ‘students’, whether they are family, friends or strangers.
This family’s ride is an emotional roller coaster, not unlike most of ours. I laughed and I cried, and I related to so much of it. Even though it is not the same story as mine, I learned so much.
Thank you to Luca for allowing your stories and lessons to be shared. 💕

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One time through is not enough

This is a must for anyone who cares for a child who is struggling. Listening to Kristina tell her story, and Luca’s message at the end offers an unmatched level of hope for those who have to advocate relentlessly. Their honesty and raw authenticity sheds light on a medical condition that is misunderstood, is often easily dismissed, and the impact it has on families. It is so well-written, so powerful!

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Beautifully written and read

I can relate with her words in many ways. Thanks for your courage to both Luka and Kristina.

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