What Happens When Someone I Love Doesn't Feel Good: A Book About Chronic or Terminal Illness That Won't Go Away
#7 of 8 in What About Me? Books Series
What’s inside...
This groundbreaking book helps children understand and cope with a parent who has a chronic or terminal illness. It addresses complex medical terms in a child-friendly way through characters Mia and Stuart, who learn about how bodies work and how to manage big feelings when a loved one is unwell. The book is comprehensive, covering various types of illnesses, and includes a free guide for explaining specific illnesses scientifically yet understandably for kids. It serves as an educational and therapeutic resource, co-authored by a Child Life Specialist, to facilitate difficult conversations about illness and validate children's emotions.
Discussion points
How did the book make you feel when you learned about someone being unwell?
What are some ways we can show love and support to someone who is sick?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone feel better? What did you do?
Why do you think it's important to talk about our feelings, especially during tough times?
What would you do if you were the character in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a comfortable and quiet space to discuss the book without distractions.
Validate your child’s feelings and thoughts as they express them, showing empathy and understanding.
Use examples from the book to guide the conversation, pointing to specific scenes or characters.
Encourage your child to ask questions and express any concerns or fears they might have.
Connect the story to real-life situations or experiences to help your child relate and understand better.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The book illustrates the emotional and physical struggles someone with chronic or terminal illness endures, helping children understand the feelings and experiences of others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by being more compassionate and patient with friends or family members who are ill.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of Tough Realities
Explanation: Through the narrative, children learn that some illnesses do not go away, which teaches them to accept realities that are difficult to understand or change.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to accept and cope with persistent challenges in their own life, instead of feeling constant frustration or confusion.
Example Lesson: Importance of Support
Explanation: The book portrays how the support from family and friends positively impacts those who are ill, emphasizing the importance of being present and supportive.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to offer support by spending time with or doing small, thoughtful acts for those who are unwell in their community.
Example Lesson: Courage in Face of Adversity
Explanation: Characters in the book demonstrate bravery and resilience, which can inspire children to be courageous when they or someone they love faces tough times.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears and remain hopeful, even during their personal challenges.
Example Lesson: The Value of Open Communication
Explanation: The book encourages open dialogues about feelings and fears regarding illness, teaching children the importance of expressing their thoughts and emotions.
Real-World Application: Children can practice expressing their feelings about difficult subjects with trusted adults, fostering a healthy emotional outlet.