Parenting resources for harder conversations

Mar 12, 2018 | Mental health and parenting

In case you missed it here’s a recap of our parenting resource blitz on social media last week. A number of these resources were found at the Guelph Public Library, and some others were found online.

If you know of a parenting resource that has been invaluable to you leave us a comment. We’d love to expand our list.

library books

The following can be found at the Guelph Public Library.

CANCER HATES KISSES

“Cancer hates kisses” by Jessica Reid Sliwerski is about a mom who is diagnosed with cancer and how she helps navigate her children through this shared journey. In the back of this book there are discussion tools on how to talk to kids about cancer if you are a parent living with it. It’s important to know we’re not alone in this major gift/task called parenting. There are resources that can help navigate our journey as we help our kids help themselves.

You can learn more about Cancer Hate Kisses and Jessica Reid on her site at Ms Reid Reads.

 

JEFFREY GOES TO JAIL

“Jeffrey goes to jail” is a story to helps kids understand what it’s like for another child to visit a parent who is incarcerated. It talks about how difficult that experience can be and also how the child of that parent may really miss and long to see their incarcerated parent. After my talk at the Grand Valley Correctional Institute (GVCI) last year I can better understand how many kids in varying communities may be affected this way. And this is just one element of learning what it may be like. Some babies first homes are in prison depending on the circumstances. We’re grateful for books like Jeffrey Goes To Jail by Marg Holland, and for resources in our community like Community Justice Initiatives who work diligently to bridge the gap between those on the inside and those in the broader community.

The Canadian Families and Corrections Network who helped produce this book have since released a second book called Jeffrey’s Out of Jail. This book was recognized by the United Nations on the Day of the Child in Geneva in 2012 AND it is free to families who are on the journey of having a family member released from a correctional institution. To learn more click here.

MIA’S SECRET

The next parenting resource on our list is “Mia’s Secret” by Peter Ledwon and Marilyn Mets. If you suspect your child has been abused this book can be used to start a conversation. It also includes a section for parents that dives deeper into what to do if you suspect your child has been abused.

The Gatehouse, whose symbol is in the upper right hand corner of this book, is a Toronto-based organization that helps those who have experienced child abuse heal and reclaim their voices through programs, services, and a safe environment.

SINCE WE’RE FRIENDS

“Since we’re friends” by Celeste Shally and David Harrington, foreword by Alison Singer of Autism Speaks, illustrate an understanding friendship between two boys, one of whom lives with autism. The friend has taken time to understand what his friend with autism needs and helps accommodate his needs since they’re friends. It takes the meaning of friendship to a deeper level while educating the reader on these boys journeys with autism and friendship.

WHAT IS ADOPTION?

Not only does “What Is Adoption” by Sophie Stergianis and Rita McDowell address helping non-adopted children understand adoption, it also gives examples of the diversity of what families look like in general. For example, some kids live with two parents. Some live with one. Some live with their grandparents. Some families share physical similarities to one another and some don’t. This book does a wonderful job stepping beyond a myopic family image into the diversity of what family truly is…diverse.

Helpful insights in the book also list tips on do’s and don’t around language and curiosity about an adopted child’s story.

WATER BUGS AND DRAGONFLIES: EXPLAINING DEATH TO YOUNG CHILDREN

“Water Bugs and Dragonflies” is a simple yet profound book by Doris Stickney that is written as an allegorical explanation about death for young kids. Even as an adult reader we found it incredibly helpful. This book can be read in full online or purchase a copy to own. It can be an invaluable resource for rainbow baby families, those experiencing the death of a parent, grandparent, neighbour, friend, etc.

THE LOVE & LOSS PROJECT (WEBSITE)

You may be looking at the parenting resources we’re posting and, frankly, this might be painful. Perhaps you’ve experienced pregnancy loss or baby loss. Perhaps having these tough conversations with kids that some of us might take for granted seems hurtful or frustrating because you only wish you had that same opportunity. We see you. We hear you. And you are parents too. So where are the resources for you? Although our focus during this campaign was on resources to help parents help kids we also want you to know there are incredible resources out there that understand your journey. Like The Love & Loss Project by April Boyd. April is walking this journey and she is an engaging wealth of truth, empathy, and knowledge.