I recently had a chance to interview Nadine Haruni, author of the Freeda the Frog series, to learn about helping children through grief.
Why did you write this book?
I wrote this when my kids were young after my Grandma Helen passed away. It was their first time encountering loss, and I knew that they were struggling. I figured that if I was having a tough time starting a conversation with my kids about it, that there were many other parents out there who were going through the same thing. I hope that this book can be a tool to help be a conversation starter for other parents whose kids are suffering from the loss of a pet or other loved one.
How can books be helpful for kids in learning to process tough emotions?
Most kids are visual learners, and they can understand the story better when they have picture books that show the characters’ emotions. The characters expressions will often mirror their own, and will help them process what they’re feeling. Sometimes kids can’t put into words how they feel, especially when they’re young. But if there is a character they can relate to, it helps them understand that they are not alone in how they feel. All of the books in my series are meant to be conversation starters, and enable kids to talk through their emotions in a safe space.
How can parents and caregivers model responses to grief?
They shouldn’t hold back their own emotions when they are grieving, so that kids don’t feel embarrassed to express how they’re feeling themselves.
Why is it important for adults to acknowledge children's grief even when it might seem like it's "something little?"
Because we don’t know if it’s really something that’s “little” in their minds, and just like adults—kids want to have their feelings validated. They want to know that it’s okay if they aren’t really okay, that their feelings are “normal,” and that they should feel free to express their emotions with loved ones.
About the Author
Nadine Haruni is an award-winning children’s book author and a mother to five kids in a blended family. Her Freeda the Frog series follows a frog family as they go through various real-life “stuff”—from a parent’s divorce and remarriage to adjusting to a blended family, moving, starting a new school and meeting the gay family on the lily pad next door. Beyond helping children who are going through these situations, her books aim to help all kids recognize that no two families look the same. Leveled to align with National Educational Standards, all five Freeda the Frog books have received the Gold Mom’s Choice Award for Excellence in the family-friendly picture book category, as well as a Readers’ Favorite 5-star review. Freeda the Frog and the Two Mommas Next Door was honored with a Royal Dragonfly Book Award in the LGBTQ category. Haruni is a frequent guest on parenting podcasts, aiming to reach as many families as possible on her mission to encourage an environment of awareness, empathy and inclusivity. Along with writing and parenting, she is a practicing attorney and a certified yoga instructor. She lives in Bergen County, New Jersey, with her family.
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