Life
Whether you're going on an overnight business trip or your child is spending a month away at summer camp, it's not uncommon for kids to feel some form of anxiety about being separated from their parents. It's especialyl prevelant if they have never experienced a night away from mom and dad. But you can help ease their fears (and some of your own) by checking out some of the books every parent should read their child before spending the night away. These books are written especially for children, to let them know that they are not alone in their feelings, and remind them that even though they may have to be apart for a short time, parents will always come back to the little ones they love.
Before you go away, be sure to make a little time to cuddle up with your kids and read some of the books on this list. They may help you and your kids find ways to talk about their feelings about being separated, and find positive ways to deal with their emotions. And once you are away, you can sneak in a FaceTime or Skype session to help make the time until you are back together again a little more bearable for everyone.
1
'My Mommy's On A Business Trip' by Phaedra Cucina
Not only does My Mommy's on a Business Trip help parents and little ones deal with parents who must travel, the book includes maps of the United States and the world so kids can see exactly where their parents will be.
2
'Mommy, Don’t Go' by Elizabeth Crary and Marina Megale
Mommy Don't Go is an interactive book that allows kids to get involved with the story. A little boy is upset about having to stay with a baby sitter when his mother has to travel. Kids can consider different options and help the main character figure out the best way to deal with his feelings.
3
'The Invisible String' by Patrice Karst
The Invisible String is a touching story that can help kids deal with all kinds of separation issues. Even when parents are away, their kids stay with them in their heart, connected by an invisible string that can never be broken.
4
'When I Miss You' by Cornelia Maude Spelman
A guinea pig learns how to deal with her sadness when her parents have to go away in When I Miss You.
5
'Countdown 'Til Daddy Comes Home' by Kristin Ayyar
A family creates their own rituals to help pass the time until their father comes home from a trip, in Countdown 'til Daddy Comes Home, written by an Air Force spouse.
6
'You Go Away' by Dorothy Corey
A classic picture book that was first published in 1976, You Go Away is perfect for preschoolers. The idea that even though they may have to leave, parents always come back, is repeated throughout the book to reinforce the concept for little readers.
7
'The Goodbye Book' by Todd Parr
Bestselling children's author, Todd Parr, helps kids understand that even if they feel sad about having to say goodbye, their feelings of sadness will pass in The Goodbye Book.
8
'Nic And Nellie' by Astrid Sheckels
Nic and Nellie is centered around a young girl who learns to cope with homesickness while spending the summer with her grandparents by making new friends.
9
'The Magic Box: When Parents Can't Be There to Tuck You In' by Marty Sederman
In The Magic Box, Casey's dad travels frequently for business, but on this trip, his dad leaves a special box to help him cope when they have to be apart.
10
'I Love You All Day Long' by Francesca Rusackas
In I Love You All Day Long, kids are reminded that even though they have to spend time away from their parents, their love stays with them all day long.
11
'The Kissing Hand' by Audrey Penn
In The Kissing Hand, a mama raccoon kisses her son's hand, and reminds him to put it to his cheek whenever he feels sad about being away at school. A great reminder for kids that their parent's love is always with them.
12
'Owl Babies' by Martin Waddell
Three little owlets wake up worried and afraid in the middle of the night when they find their mommy gone. In Owl Babies, Mom returns to explain that she was out looking for food because she loves them, and promises to always come back, in this beautifully watercolor illustrated book.
13
'The Complete Book Of First Experiences' by Anne Civardi
The Complete Book of First Experiences is a must-have on your book shelf for toddlers and preschoolers. There are nine stories written to help kids deal with their feelings about just about every first — including, being away from their parents.
