Children's Books About a Mom's Illness
Mamas are important, and when something is going on in mom's life, it is going on in a child's life too. Families can be tempted to try to hide it or can struggle with the right words to start the conversation. While it can feel overwhelming, children often do best when included in the process. Otherwise kids are likely to find out from someone else who doesn't have the whole story or to start making up their own story when they notice things that are different. Kids do not need every detail. The conversation can start very simple and be focused on the child's question. A book can be a good way for families to make sure they cover different aspects and to help kids see that they are not the only ones going through this same experience.
Today I am sharing some books that could be helpful for families looking to support their children during a mother's illness.
Cancer
Mama’s Year with Cancer by Nancy Churnin
This story is about a young girl. Her mother has cancer. The book talks about things that are hard for the little girl and the good parts of her year before. It talks about people bringing food and her mama needing to rest. In the end, her mother is cancer-free. Not everyone’s story is the same, but this gentle and relatable book uses simple words and kid-focused experiences that could be helpful for families with young children who are going through the ‘parent with cancer’ journey. Tips for parents in the back as well. Best for young children.
The Very Naughty Cell by Lily Sacks-Hubbard
This book shares the story of Poppy, whose mom has cancer. The book shares things her family experiences and ways the family takes care of each other. The book also gives simple explanations for words like chemo, radiation, and surgery. The Very Naughty Cell also talks about other common experiences like hair loss and side effects of the treatment. If you are looking for a story that can help you explain cancer and help kids feel less alone in their experience, this book is very approachable. It would be helpful for parents to read with their kids, so that they can clarify differences and similarities in their own situation. Good for elementary school kids.
What Happens When Someone I Love Has Cancer?: Explain the Science of Cancer and How a Loved One's Diagnosis and Treatment Affects a Kid's Day-To-day Life by Sara Olsher
This book includes a great explanation of cancer that would apply to any cancer diagnosis. It does a nice job finding a balance between a playful tone and concrete/real explanations. It acknowledges lots of common questions or feelings in a way that kids will connect to. I recommend it for any child being affected by an adult’s cancer! Good for young-upper elementary.
Multiple Sclerosis
Some Days: A Tale of Love, Ice Cream, and My Mom’s Chronic Illness by Julie A. Stamm
This book talks about a boy and his mom who has MS. It talks about how some days his mom has different needs based on how she is feeling. This includes days that she is more tired, doesn’t feel up to walking, needs more air conditioning, and needs a bathroom close. The book shows them spending time together in all sorts of ways and adapting to both of their needs. The book would be appropriate for preschool-through middle elementary and would be especially appropriate for a child who knows an adult with MS.
My Mom is Not a Superhero by Darcie Naslund
This book tells the story of a boy who has a mom with MS. Even though his dad calls his mom a superhero, the boy argues that his mom doesn’t have the many common traits of a superhero. By the end of the book, the boy realizes that their love for each other and their effort to keep trying when things are hard makes his mom and him super. The book shows some common struggles of people with MS, but then at the end of the book there are more explanations and activities to deepen understanding. This analogy regarding superheroes could help kids connect with their parents and see how much they do to stay healthy and strong for their kids. While this book won’t answer every child’s question, but it could be a good conversation starter. Good for young kids - middle elementary.
Diabetes:
Mommy Beeps: A book for children who love a type 1 diabetic by Kim Baillieul
Super excited that I found this book. This book tells the story of a boy with a diabetic mom. It talks about the different things she does to take care of herself (bonus points- for being up to date!). It explains common diabetic equipment and common things that would come up as a child of diabetic - including his mom’s snacks, exercise, pump, and finger pricks. I highly recommend this book for young children-middle elementary.
