Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Memphis, TN

The amazing thing about a book is its ability to help people [including kids] grasp tough subjects that they might have otherwise not been able to understand.

When something is scary or hurts feelings, most clam up and refuse to talk about what is bothering them.  Books provide parents with a wonderful way to "discuss" really difficult subjects like death and divorce.

Death is one of those things that is very hard to explain.  Telling a child that the family dog "went away" might illicit the response of "when's he coming back".  What do you say then?

What is Death does a good job of presenting an honest view of death and shows how different cultures react to this tough fact of life.  What is Death is generally accepted as a standard book for use in grief counseling. 

Lifetimes shows them that death is a natural process of life.  It's very direct and matter of fact and would probably be the best book for that three or four year old who has to have things explained to them in an almost scientific way.

Divorce is an all too common reality in today's kids lives.  Whether it's your kids who are directly experiencing a divorce or whether it's your kids' friends, your children will have questions that sometimes they might not know how to ask.

It's Not Your Fault, Koko Bear, I Don't Want to Talk About It and Mama and Daddy Bear's Divorce are three really great books to address the difficult subject of divorce.  They all make sure that the kids know that the divorce has nothing to do with them and that it's not their fault.  The books also do a wonderful job of showing the kids that it's alright to be upset and to share their emotions. 

Tough subjects are made easier with books.  Plain and simple.  Books provide a way to get the conversation going and give you a way to "talk" to your kids without it seeming like you're preaching or giving a lecture.

If you have the misfortune to experience a divorce or the family pet dies, one of these books is sure to help.

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