My father is very sick and while I don't have a specific time frame, I know he won't be here much longer. I'd like to get some books that deal with either terminal illness and/or dying to help my 6-year-old daughter through this difficult time in our lives. She and Grandpa are best friends, and while I will certainly grieve and miss my dad, I'm really worried about her losing the person she most loves in this world besides me. If anyone has some suggestions for books that have helped them explain the loss of a loved one, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks!
there is a book called "nana upstairs, nana downstairs". it's really old, may be our of print, you might have to find it at a library. it tells the story how both of the childs grandmas one day are no longer there.
We got a book called What's Heaven by Maria Shriver a few years ago when my sister in law died to help explain things to our young kids. It is a good book and would be appropriate for a 6 year old.
contact your local public library or your school's library. Another thought would be contacting a hospice unit- they should have resources available.
I wish you Peace.
St. Louis Children's Hospital has a wonderful Family Resource Center that has children's books about grieving.
Kansas City has a fantastic resource to assist children with the greiving process. I've pasted the link below. I've heard wonderful things about it.
Two books are: "Sarah's Grandma Goes to Heaven" by Maribeth Boelts and "Balloons to Pawpaw" by Susan G. Aleander. Both of these books are available on Amazon used, one for $3.95 and the other for $4.95. Of course also on there as new books.
When my Dad was dying our last child was 4yrs. and we had 7 more kids still at home, one at college. He and my mother came to live with us the last month of his life so she wouldn't be alone and I could help out. It was such a blessing to us to be with him every day and for the kids to be part of his life and his death. The hospice worker said it was good for the kids to talk about it and with him about it too, and good for them to be part of it and realize death is also part of life. I'll always treasure that time we had with him. Some of the kids don't remember him as well, like the 4 yr. old, but they do remember enough to still love him.
I'm sorry you have to experience this loss and hope that you can turn to God for comfort for you and your daughter together. Talk about him though and don't try to avoid it, now and even after death.
I highly recommend Trevor Romain's "What on Earth Do You Do When Someone Dies?" I have used it several times as a school counselor for children who are grieving and dealing with death. It addresses a lot of questions that kids have that we, as grieving adults, don't always think of and gives you the opportunity to incorporate your own views and beliefs into the discussion with your child. I am so sorry for what you're going through and hope this book can help you and your daughter better cope with the loss.
