Growing Our Hearts: New Baby, New Groove
What’s inside...
Both 'Growing Our New Baby, New Groove' and 'Growing Our Hearts: New Baby, New Groove' explore the candid concerns of a child when a new baby is added to the family. These beautifully illustrated stories address a child's fear of losing their special bond with a parent and the potential changes to that relationship. The books also touch on the concerns of parents juggling busy schedules and multiple needs, offering insights based on the authors' experiences. The central message is that love is not finite, but grows with the family, allowing each member to discover new roles, harmonies, and rhythms - a whole new groove together.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the characters feel when the new baby arrived? What emotions did you notice?
What are some ways the family in the book showed love and support to each other during the change?
If you were a part of the story, how would you help the family adjust to the new baby?
Why is it important for families to grow and change together?
What did you learn from the story that you can apply in our family?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressions and gestures to mirror the emotions of the characters while reading, helping your child connect with their feelings.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask your child how they think a character is feeling, encouraging empathy and understanding.
Relate the story to personal family experiences with changes or additions to the family to make the content more relatable.
Discuss the importance of adaptability and support within a family setting after reading the story to reinforce these values.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: The story focuses on a young child navigating the changes that come with welcoming a new sibling into the family. Through engaging narratives, the character learns to adapt and find joy in these changes.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to accept and find positivity in new situations at school or in social settings, such as making new friends or trying new activities.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: As the protagonist interacts with the new baby, there are numerous instances that teach empathy by considering the baby’s needs and emotions.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of considering others' feelings and perspectives, which is crucial in building strong interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Bonds
Explanation: The book demonstrates the strengthening of family connections as the characters spend quality time together and support each other through the adjustment period.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to value and nurture relationships with family members, recognizing the support and love that family provides.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The older sibling takes on new responsibilities with the arrival of the baby. This gradual introduction to responsibility is portrayed through simple tasks the child performs to help care for the baby.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to take on small, appropriate responsibilities at home, such as tidying up toys or helping to set the table, fostering a sense of accomplishment and contribution.
Example Lesson: Joy in Sharing
Explanation: The narrative showcases moments where the older sibling shares toys and time with the baby, learning the value of sharing and inclusivity.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of sharing with siblings and peers, promoting harmonious playtimes and reducing conflicts over possessions.