The photos might be a bit outdated, but Mr. Roger’s calm, reassuring approach never goes out of style — and comes through on every page of this wonderful little book.
“Let’s Talk About It: Divorce” builds upon a central theme: all children need families to love and care for them as they grow.
With simple sentences and lots of photos, the book is best for pre-readers and early readers. As the author posits in the introduction, the book invites parents with their children to discuss their unique family. What I appreciate is that with very few words, the book manages to hit upon the major questions and concerns of most pre-school and early school age children such as:
- Where will I live?
- Who will take care of me?
- What will change?
- And what will stay the same?
“Some things will stay the same, even with a divorce. Your mother will always be your mother …and your father will always be your father.”
In addition, the book succeeds at “planting seeds” that validate children’s common concerns in divorce:
- Children are not to blame,
- Parents have their own feelings about divorce that are not for children to fix,
- And that it is okay to have fun and play.
Mr. Rogers explains about a full range of common emotions and emphasizes that children may feel different feelings at different times. With comforting reassurance, he suggests kid-friendly ways to cope such as talking, playing, being with others, or being alone in a special place.
“Let’s Talk about It: Divorce” is gentle and warm without minimizing children’s feelings and experiences. It provides kids both a framework for anticipating change while conveying hope and health.
For parents, he reminds us of the simple ways we can support our kiddos by maintaining their foundation of family.