Nowhere Hair: Explain cancer and hair loss to kids
What’s inside...
The little girl in NOWHERE HAIR knows two things: Her mom's hair is not on her head anymore, so therefore it must be somewhere around the house. After searching the obvious places, the story reveals that her mother, although going through cancer treatment, is still silly, attentive, happy and yes, sometimes very tired and cranky. She learns that she didn't cause the cancer, can't catch it, and that Mommy still is very much up for the job of mothering. The book, written in rhyme, explains hats, scarves, wigs, going bald in public, and the idea of being nice to people who may look a little different than you. It ends with the idea that what is inside of us is far more important than how we look on the outside. For any parent or grandparent, NOWHERE HAIR offers a comfortable platform to explain something that is inherently very difficult. Recommended by the American School Counselor Association and LIVESTRONG. Used in more than 100+ cancer centers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
1-9
Length
34 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it feels like for someone to lose their hair?
Why is it important to show kindness and support to someone who is going through changes like hair loss?
How do you think the character in the book felt when they lost their hair, and how did they cope with their feelings?
Can you think of ways we can help and support our friends or family members if they are feeling sad or different?
What did you learn from the story about how people deal with tough situations like illness?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a supportive atmosphere by letting your child know that all feelings are valid and it’s okay to ask questions.
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in similar situations, fostering understanding and compassion.
Help your child connect with the character’s experiences by discussing personal experiences with illness or change, whether their own or those of someone they know.
Reframe the discussion around resilience and coping, highlighting the positive actions and support the characters in the book displayed.
End the conversation on a hopeful note, discussing the ways in which challenges can be overcome with the help of friends and family.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding illness and empathy
Explanation: The book portrays a child's experience with a family member undergoing cancer treatment, highlighting themes of illness and empathy.
Real-World Application: Children learn to empathize with those who are ill and understand the challenges they face, promoting a more compassionate approach towards peers and family members experiencing health issues.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of change
Explanation: The story dives into the changes a mother goes through, including losing her hair, and how the family copes with these changes.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to accept and adapt to changes in their own lives and in the lives of those around them, reducing fear and anxiety associated with change.
Example Lesson: Importance of support systems
Explanation: Through the child's perspective, the book shows how support from family and friends is crucial during tough times.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be supportive and seek support when facing difficult situations, reinforcing the value of a strong support network.
Example Lesson: Expressing feelings
Explanation: The book opens a channel for children to understand and express their feelings about complex issues like cancer and loss.
Real-World Application: Helps children develop emotional intelligence by recognizing and articulating their feelings, which is vital for their psychological development and relationships.
Example Lesson: Hope and resilience
Explanation: Amidst the challenges, the book spreads a message of hope and resilience.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the power of staying positive and resilient even in adverse situations, fostering an optimistic and enduring attitude towards life's challenges.