An Excellent Tool for Parents, Teachers and Therapists

"Love, Hugs, and Hope"

Lynn Parson's says, "We live in a world where tragedy touches us all. It is especially difficult to explain the unexplainable to children when you don't know what to do.

"This book is the perfect tool to prompt conversations and provide coping strategies with the youngsters you love. An excellent tool for parents, teachers, and therapists. I regret that many little ones have to deal the harsh realities of 2013, but am glad that this resource is now available. I intend to get copies to keep for emergencies, and I recommend you do, too."

Written after the tragic Newtown, Connecticut, shooting, this book is an invaluable tool to help parents and children work through feelings after a tragedy. Our kids deal, not only with national tragedies, but every day ones like death of a grandparent, loss of a puppy, or divorce. This book guides readers through emotions of fear, sadness and anger, then offers constructive ideas for managing these feelings and seeking comfort. The message of the book is that love chases away hate and light banishes darkness. Lori Nawyn's engaging illustrations help the reader know that hope is only a hug away.

Sharing with Grandparents Can Demolish Fears

One way to help children through tragedy is to allow them to spend time with their grandparents--giving service if possible.

Alisa had become increasingly afraid after watching current news events about school shootings, tornadoes in the Midwest, mall bombs and shootings. Her mother tried to shield her from such events, but Alisa had friends at school who warned her about all of them.

Alisa and her mom visited her grandmother in a retirement center every Monday afternoon. Mother suggested Alisa tell her grandmother about her fears.

Grandmother held Alisa's hand and listened carefully to her worries. Then grandmother told Alisa that  

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.” (Corrie ten Boom) 

Grandmother also told Alisa that love wins out over hate and cuddled her close.

Alisa felt better after telling her grandmother her troubles. She tried to keep her days happy and strong. Each week she and her grandmother talked about how Alisa felt and soon she let go of many of her fears.

Alisa brought a book to read to her grandmother. She drew pictures to share, and they played Old Maid and Go Fish. 

Others at the center came to join in the fun. Soon many of the residents looked forward to their coming. After each visit, Alisa felt happy. She still worried a little, but when she thought of her grandmother, her fears seemed to melt away.

Alisa looked forward to sharing her books and games, and felt a sense of accomplishment in doing so. She also loved talking to her new friends. She could share her troubles with them because they always had time to listen.

Do you have a grandparent or an older friend you could share with?

Try it and let me know how it goes. What advice did they give you?

I found this book to be quite charming.

Braden Bell says, "We lived in Brooklyn during the 9-11 attack, and as we tried to talk to our young children about that, this book would have come in handy."

"Written for children when bad things happen, I found this book to be quite charming."

"The text is simple and understandable. It is clear and hopeful, but avoids making promises that no one can realistically make. At the same time, it doesn't dwell on gloom either. I think they did a good job walking that balance. The illustrations were also lovely--charming and child-friendly without being silly or cliche.

"Christy, who is a certified Marriage and Family Therapist explained her impetus for writing the book:  "It took me about a week to write the first draft of this manuscript. I felt so sad for those who had experienced loss in the school shooting at Sandy Hook. Shortly after that a gunman shot up the Clackamas Towne Center in Oregon. Our daughter, son-in-law, and two granddaughters live about three miles from the center. The parents monitored the events carefully, but turned off all media to protect the kids from knowing about it. However, the next day at school the children were all talking about it, so you can't protect children from knowing about tragedies like this."