The Adventures of Gabriel: stories of resilience for children and mothers in the family courts

Below is the background and link to a fantastic book series called 'The Adventures of Gabriel' by mother and son Kate and Gabriel Markland.

The stories were produced by this exceptional family to find a path towards light and in testament to the mother-child bond, in the midst of extremely dark times - family court proceedings.

We encourage readers to explore these wonderful resources either for yourself as an adult or with your children.

Click here to see full information about the stories / books available now.

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Background

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The Role of Storytelling in Building Children's Resilience by Kate and Gabriel Markland

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Building resilience is essential for children dealing with the effects of Adverse Childhood

Experiences (ACEs).

Storytelling can help children process emotions, make sense of their experiences, and

allow their voice to be heard and, ultimately, build and develop their own identity.

This article explores how storytelling promotes emotional recovery and helps foster

resilience in children, contrasting that positive force with the harmful effects that legal

processes within family courts can have, particularly on mothers and their children.

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The Impact of Family Court Processes on Mothers and Children

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Unfortunately, the family court process, while designed to resolve disputes over child

custody and visitation rights, frequently fails to account for the emotional and psychological

harm it can cause to both children and their mothers.

Sir Alan Bates’ description of the Post Office scandal as a "Kafkaesque" and "Orwellian

nightmare" resonates with the findings from The Ministry of Justice’s report, “Assessing

the Risk of Harm to Children and Parents in Private Law Children Cases,” and University

of Manchester 2024 study by Dr Dalgarno et al., “Health-related experiences of family court and domestic abuse

in England: A looming public health crisis”. Both highlight a system that can feel

bewildering, oppressive, and unjust, where individuals struggle against bureaucratic

power. Just as sub-postmasters faced obstruction and control, mothers and children in

family court proceedings experience emotional harm and helplessness due to a process

that can perpetuate trauma rather than alleviate it.

The Ministry of Justice’s report, revealed several troubling trends in family court decisions.

This leads to situations where children and mothers are forced into potentially harmful

situations, with the emotional and psychological well-being of the child often

overshadowed by legal precedents.

One of the most alarming findings from the Ministry of Justice report is that children’s

voices are frequently overlooked in these cases. In such cases, the system not only fails

to protect the child but also further exacerbates the trauma experienced by both children

and mothers.

Further research from the University of Manchester has highlighted the significant impact

of family court proceedings on women’s health. The study revealed that the stress and

emotional toll of prolonged family court battles can lead to severe health issues, including

anxiety, depression, and even physical health deterioration.

This emotional burden underscores the urgent need for supportive mechanisms to aid

recovery in both mothers and children.

One such mechanism in building resilience is the power of storytelling.

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The Power of Storytelling in Building Resilience

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Stories provide a safe space for children to explore complex emotions, face difficult

challenges, and see those challenges resolved. Through stories, children can identify with

characters overcoming adversity, which helps them process their own struggles and

understand that real challenges can be overcome. This process is crucial in developing

emotional strength, problem-solving skills, and empathy, all of which are core components

of resilience.

For children who experience disruption in their lives, storytelling serves as an emotional

anchor. Offering a space for children to distance themselves from their immediate

circumstances and explore their own emotions safely. Crafting their own stories also

allows children to see themselves as heroes in their own narrative, promoting and

supporting empowerment and emotional stability in difficult times.

An excellent example of how storytelling can inspire resilience in children is the

international bestseller The Adventures of Gabriel, co-authored by Gabriel and his mother,

Kate Markland, a former physiotherapist. This creative collaboration between mother and

son highlights how storytelling can serve as a therapeutic tool, helping children identify

with their own inner hero, build emotional strength, and process challenges.

In the context of family court proceedings, where emotional harm often mirrors the

disempowerment described by Sir Alan Bates, storytelling offers children a powerful and

constructive way to reclaim agency and resilience. This book, which has been featured on

The Times Radio at Cheltenham Literature Festival, follows the adventures of Gabriel and

his resourceful sidekick, Platy the Platypus, as they confront a terrifying foe Tentaculus,

break invisible cages, and sail to forgotten islands with the help of their mentor, Captain

Ali. The story's underlying message is that anything is possible with focus and positive

thinking, a message that resonates with children aged 8–12 as they begin to understand

their own inner strength.

What makes The Adventures of Gabriel particularly special is how it was created, through

only one hour each week on Friday nights over FaceTime. This weekly ritual between

mother and son showcases the bonding power of storytelling while also serving as a

platform for fostering creativity and resilience. Through its immersive images and engaging

narrative, young readers are encouraged to view themselves as the heroes of their own

stories, a powerful way to inspire emotional empowerment during challenging

circumstances.

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Solutions: A Trauma-Informed and Child-Centred Approach

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To truly protect children and promote their resilience, the family court system must shift

from its current adversarial model to a more investigative and problem-solving approach.

This approach should prioritise the emotional well-being of the child and the protective

parent.

Courts must become trauma-informed, understanding the long-term impact of court

hearings on children and mothers. Decision-makers in the court system need enhanced

training to ensure that they make informed decisions that prioritise safety and emotional

well-being over rigid legal frameworks.

Additionally, integrating storytelling as a therapeutic tool could offer a practical solution for

children involved in legal proceedings. Storytelling can help children articulate their

emotions, process complex situations, and develop the emotional strength needed to cope

with the adversities they face. Giving children a voice in a safe, creative way that

empowers them rather than retraumatising them.

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Conclusion

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Storytelling is a powerful mechanism for building resilience in children, offering them a

means to navigate their emotions and find strength in adversity. In contrast, the family

court system, as it currently operates, can inadvertently harm the emotional and

psychological well-being of both children and legally estranged parents, grandparents and

family friends.

By integrating creative and positive solutions, such as storytelling, into both legal and

therapeutic processes, the family court system can evolve into a more compassionate and

effective institution. In the meantime The Adventures of Gabriel stands as a testament to

the power of storytelling in helping children find their inner strength and discover that, even

in the most challenging circumstances, anything is possible with focus and positive

thinking and limited resources

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