How Might Books Help? 

When it comes to addressing challenging topics with children such as divorce, death, discrimination, or major life changes, some parents may not know where to start. You might feel pressure to make sure that you approach it in such a way that it doesn't feel confusing or scary to your child, while also helping it feel approachable for ongoing conversation. One way to start might be through reading a book!

Emotional Connection: Books often feature relatable characters and situations, allowing children to form emotional connections. This connection helps them understand that they are not alone in their experiences.

Coping Strategies: Many books provide coping strategies and solutions for overcoming difficulties. Children can learn effective ways to navigate and manage their emotions, helping them build resilience.

Normalization of Emotions: Books help normalize a wide range of emotions. Children learn that it's okay to feel sad, angry, or scared, and they discover that these emotions are a natural part of the human experience.

Communication Skills: Reading books on challenging topics opens up opportunities for communication between children and adults. Books can give children space to learn more about a topic on their own and then bring their questions to a parent, caretaker, or other trusted adult. 

Visual Representation: Illustrated books use visuals to complement the narrative, making it easier for children to grasp complex concepts. Visual representation enhances comprehension and engagement. The stories depicted can help put the subject into context for a child, which may help them better process what you're trying to address.

Looking for additional resources? Check these out: 

Everyday Reading Blog- She has many book lists with recommendations for a variety of topics 

Lexico Book Display Shelf- A bookshelf where book covers can be displayed forward-facing, encouraging little ones' to independently explore. 

Project-Based Primary- An educator and homeschool mom who recently started a series on her Instagram of books to help with specific topics

Ask a librarian at your local library for book recommendations!

A few Sprout favorites: 
- The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
- Let's Talk About Body Boundaries, Consent & Respect by Jayneen Sanders
- The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
- My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss
- A Terrible Thing Happened by Margaret M. Holmes