One-punch victim's mum publishes children's book

Maxine Thompson-Curl says her book helps children regulate their emotions

A mum, whose son died after a one-punch attack, has published a book aimed at helping children keep calm and control their anger.

Kristian Thompson, 19, died 13 years ago. He was punched by a stranger on a night out in Consett, County Durham, and died several months later.

Maxine Thompson-Curl set up the charity One Punch UK in his memory and said the book, Kris Gets Cross, used child-friendly language to show how violence is never the answer.

"The story stresses the importance of staying calm in difficult situations," she said.

Ms Thompson-Curl said it was difficult to balance getting across an important message to children in a way they would understand, without frightening them.

Her charity said it received calls from around the country every week from families who said their loved ones have been victims of a violent assault.

'Two vital messages'

Jodie Bennett, a teacher at Hudson Primary School in Sunderland, said after the pandemic many schools noticed children who were struggling to regulate their emotions.

"An age appropriate book is really useful to introduce the topic to young children," she said.

"It’s important they have strategies to manage their anger and frustration, because they will have these emotions."

Maxine says she hopes one day the book will be used as part of the curriculum and rolled out to schools across the country.

"Every school should have this book," she said.

"It has two vital messages that we could all do with - the need to stay calm and the need to think before we react."