My Family's Changing
A First Look At... Series
What’s inside...
My Family's Changing is a children's book written by a psychotherapist and counselor that tackles the subject of divorce and separation. It uses simple language, colorful illustrations, and 'What About You?' sidebars with questions for the child reader to help children understand and cope with changes in family dynamics. The book encourages open communication, emotional expression, and provides guidance for children to navigate their feelings during this challenging time.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt when their family started changing?
What are some ways we can support each other during times of change?
Can you think of different types of families you know or have seen in books or movies?
Why is it important to talk about our feelings when big changes happen?
How can change in a family be a positive thing?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a calm and warm tone when discussing the changes depicted in the book to create a safe space for your child to express their feelings.
Relate the situations in the book to real-life examples or familiar scenarios to make the concepts more relatable and understandable for your child.
Encourage your child to ask questions about the book’s themes and offer honest, age-appropriate responses to ensure clarity and understanding.
Praise your child for sharing their thoughts and feelings about the book, reinforcing that it’s okay to voice their emotions.
After the discussion, engage in a fun activity that celebrates your family’s uniqueness and strength, reinforcing the positive aspects of change.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and accepting change
Explanation: The book explores how a child copes with the separation of their parents, demonstrating that changes within the family structure are sometimes part of life.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding when they experience changes in their own family dynamics or when they see their friends going through similar situations, fostering empathy and resilience.
Example Lesson: Expressing feelings
Explanation: Through the character's journey, the book encourages children to identify and express their emotions in a healthy way.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children develop the habit of talking about their feelings with trusted adults, aiding in emotional development and preventing bottling up emotions.
Example Lesson: Seeking support
Explanation: The protagonist seeks comfort and understanding from family and friends, highlighting the importance of seeking support during tough times.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of leaning on a support system, whether it’s family or friends, during personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of others’ emotions
Explanation: As various characters express different emotions, the book teaches the lesson of accepting that everyone handles situations differently.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in learning to be supportive and understanding of how their peers and family members might react differently in similar circumstances.
Example Lesson: Hope and resilience
Explanation: Despite the difficulties presented by the family's changes, the book ends on a hopeful note, teaching children that adaptation is possible and the future can still be positive.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to remain hopeful and resilient in the face of their own life changes, understanding that new beginnings can also bring positive outcomes.