The Best 5 Books for Children of Single Parents
My daughter asks me from time to time why her dad and I live in separate houses. It’s not a huge topic of conversation for her (those are reserved for Snapchat, Frozen, superheroes, and the fact that she is the BEST singer EVER), but it does still arise occasionally.
For her, having her parents live separately is all she knows, so it’s quite normal. She knows that all families are different – there are families with only a mum, only a dad, two mums, two dads, a mum and dad who live in the same house, a mum and dad who live in separate houses, two mums and two dads, two mums and one dad, or two dads and one mum… Anything goes for her really, but she does wish that her family was two mums and one dad.
But VERY occasionally she does seem a little confused and a little sad when she compares herself to her friends that have a mum and a dad who live in the same house. But when I tell her she is lucky because she has two houses, two beds and two sets of toys, she gets VERY excited and happy, and feels incredibly lucky herself.
We’ve also got some great books at home that are all about this very topic, and I pull them out when she asks questions or gets confused. Today I wanted to share them with you. They are all suitable for kids aged around 3 – 8.
The Best 5 books for young kids of divorce or separation
1. When My Parents Forgot To Be Friends
This book begins with a little girl saying how her parents used to be friends; how they used to have so much fun together as a family and do everything together. However, over time, they started to argue and seemed angry at each other, and sad. She talks about how this made her feel, and how she would hide under her bed. They stopped doing fun things together as a family and weren’t often together anymore. Her dad moved out of their house, and into a new home, and this made her feel really sad, and that maybe it was her fault.
The little girl goes on to say how her parents reassured her that it wasn’t her fault – that they forgot to be friends, and that sometimes parents get along better in separate houses, but that they would both always love her and be there for her. Over time the little girl begins to see that her parents are much happier in separate houses, and this makes her feel better. She also talks about her life in two houses and the activities she does with each of her parents.
It finishes with her realization of how much her parents love her, and that everything has worked out for the best because everyone is happy again.
This is a really sweet book for kids whose parents have recently separated.
2. Just the Way We Are
I got this for my daughter at Christmas, and we both love it. It’s all about how all families are different but still perfect just the way they are. It includes a whole range of family types including an IVF single mum, a family with separated parents, and a family with two dads. It’s pretty awesome actually, and a firm favourite in our house.
3. Mom and Dad Don’t Live Together Anymore
This book is about a little girl whose parents don’t live together anymore. The girl is sad that they don’t live together anymore, but she talks about the different things she does at each house and that both parents love her.
4. When I miss you
I like this book because it’s not so much about parents separating but about missing a parent when they are not with them, which is a common issue for children of single parents. The book helps children understand that their loved ones will return and that they can find comfort in the meantime.
5. Two Homes
I like this book because it focuses on the positives – what is gained, rather than what is lost when parents separate. At Mommy’s house, Alex has a soft chair. At Daddy’s house, Alex has a rocking chair. In each home, Alex also has a special bedroom and lots of friends to play with. But whether Alex is with Mommy or with Daddy, one thing always stays the same – Alex is loved. It is a sweet, optimistic book for any child.
You can also find these books by visiting your local library.
P.S. DID YOU KNOW?
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