You Are My Home:
Stories of Attunement
You Are My Home is a book of children’s short stories, complete with a guide for parents and caregivers. Based on child development principles, years of working with families, and her own parenting journey, author Julia Swaigen crafted this book to support families to foster healthy relationships. The book is designed to cue attachment instincts, increasing feelings of connection between little ones and their grown-ups, while doing something many already do with their children - read.
Written by Julia Swaigen · Illustrations by Aletha Heyman
About The Author
Julia Swaigen, MSW, RSW, is the Founder and Director of Attuned Families, a Toronto-based child and family therapy practice specializing in relational approaches to supporting mental health and development.
With over 20 years of experience supporting children, families, professionals, and organizations, Julia is known for her ability to translate complex developmental and relational science into practical strategies that help families find connection, grown-ups find peace, and children thrive.
A sought-after speaker and trainer, Julia works with schools and organizations to promote attunement, resilience, and relational well-being. She also contributes to conversations about child development, parenting, and mental health through media appearances for outlets such as The New York Times and CTV News.
When she's not speaking to parent groups or providing professional development to educators, Julia enjoys hiking, canoeing, and a good coffee shop. She lives in Toronto with her husband, two daughters, and their dog.
"A warm, thoughtfully designed book… feels calm and cohesive, encouraging careful viewing and reinforcing the book's gentle emotional tone." — Kirkus Reviews
"A therapeutic tool for facilitating open communication between young children and their parents… pairs poetic mantras and soothing images with advice for nurturing one's children." — Foreword Clarion Reviews
The Why
Reading together is one of the most natural moments of attunement a parent and child share. You Are My Home turns that everyday ritual into a moment of emotional safety, co-regulation, and secure connection — emotional-attunement parenting made simple, warm, and doable.
Where to Buy
Bring a little more connection to bedtime.