Hi, Teresa. It's wonderful that your grandchildren have you during the time that their mother will be away. They are sure to have some big feelings and it is helpful that they have extra support. Currently, I don't have any titles in mind specifically related to separation but I did want to share an amazing social-emotional resource that we use at our school (we serve children ages 2-8).
The program that we use is called Conscious Discipline. It helps children to recognize and manage their emotions in a healthy way and they have a collection of children's books that you may find to be helpful. The Shubert series is for older children and the Sophie series is for younger children. I have found both sets to be useful in my class of three and four year olds. The Conscious Discipline website also has free and paid resources, and they have items that are specific to families and home use. Using their program has transformed our school and has been helpful to us as we help to build resilient children, families, and educators. I hope that you will find their website and books to a useful resource.
I will check to see what resources we have at our school and we'll talk to my colleagues for any suggestions on books specifically related to separation. And I'm sure that the network of professionals here will have helpful suggestions.
Wishing you and your family well,
Ashley
Teacher and Curriculum Coordinator
First Discoveries Academy
Brandon, Florida
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-19-2020 08:06 AM
From: Teresa Hargrave
Subject: When mom has to be away for a month
I'm looking for books to help our grandchildren cope with their mother leaving them for a month. She has never been away more than twelve hours from them before. She has to accompany her own mother for radical cancer surgery in a far away city. My husband and I will move in to help our son care for them (him and the house). They know us well and love to have us read to them. They are also in childcare every day and I expect that they will show the distress I anticipate that they will feel in that situation. We plan to partner with childcare over coping with this stressor. I'm eager for your suggestions. Thanks so much
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Teresa Hargrave
SUNY-UMU
Syracuse NY
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